July One of Hottest Months on Record

The eastern US and central Asia had a significantly cooler-than-average July, but they were the only two regions on Earth that did. For the globe as a whole, it was the fourth-hottest month on record—surpassed only by the Julys of 1998, 2005, and 2010—and the 353rd consecutive month with an above average global temperature. The blistering July temperatures came hot on the heels of both the hottest May and hottest June ever recorded. More… Discuss

SOURCE OF MYSTERIOUS OCEAN “QUACK” IDENTIFIED

For the past 50 years, scientists have been baffled by a mysterious quack-like sound, nicknamed the bio-duck, detected in the ocean waters around the Antarctic and Western Australia. Over the years, they have come up with various theories regarding its source, ranging from fish to ships. Now, however, they have finally conclusively pinpointed the emitter of the mysterious bio-duck: the Antarcticminke whale. Acoustic recorders picked up the marine mammals making the distinctive, low-frequency vocalizations near the surface, before they dove to the depths to feed. What is “the Bloop“? More… Discuss

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MEASLES-LIKE VIRUS LIKELY BEHIND DOLPHIN DEATHS

Scientists believe they have finally figured out what is causing the extensive dolphin die-off along the US east coast: a measles-like virus. In the past two months, more than 300 bottlenose dolphins have washed up dead or dying on beaches stretching from New York to North Carolina, about 10 times the average for this period. An outbreak of cetacean morbillivirus, which suppresses the immune system and leaves those affected vulnerable to other diseases, is thought to be responsible for the “unusual mortality event,” as it has been designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. More… Discuss

 

National Geographic – Gyre: Creating Art From a Plastic Ocean

Published on Aug 21, 2013

In this full-length web exclusive, National Geographic journeys along the remote Alaskan coast … in search of garbage. A team of scientists and artists investigates the buildup of marine debris washing out of the great gyres, or currents, in the Pacific Ocean. Called the Gyre Expedition, their goal is to create art from the trash they find to raise awareness about its impact on oceans and wildlife. Their artwork will become part of a traveling exhibition in 2014. 

Learn more about the expedition and the next phase of the Gyre Project:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/gyre

 

it Is Official: NO SUCH THING AS MERMAIDS, SAYS US GOVERNMENT

No Such Thing As Mermaids, Says US Government

In a move reminiscent of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s website post on preparing for a zombie apocalypse, the National Ocean Service, an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has elected to publish a declaration regarding the existence—or, more specifically, the nonexistence—ofmermaids. Following a TV program on mermaids that many viewers may have mistaken for a documentary, employees at the agency found themselves fielding an unusual number of inquiries regarding the mythical creatures. The agency therefore elected to publicly address the issue on its website, declaring that there is no evidence that “aquatic humanoids” exist. More…Discuss