Category: Physical Oceanography

World first: Mini ocean robot collects data in a Category 5 hurricane

NOAA and Oshen robots bring back key wind and pressure data from Hurricane Humberto A small, wind–powered ocean robot became the first uncrewed surface vehicle to capture and transmit data from inside a Category 5 hurricane on Sunday, September 28, as part of research by NOAA, the United Kingdom-based robotics company, Oshen, and the University […]

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Scientist at AOML selected as member of NOAA in the Caribbean Executive Team

Jen McWhorter, Ph.D., a Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Science (CIMAS) Assistant Scientist with AOML’s Ocean Biogeochemistry and Physical Oceanography teams, has been selected to serve a one year term as a member of the NOAA in the Caribbean Executive Team. As a member of the Executive Team, McWhorter will help provide strategic direction […]

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Atlantic Niño/Niña modulates typhoon landfall risk in East and Southeast Asia

A new study led by AOML and CIMAS scientists further shows that the impacts of Atlantic Niño/Niña on tropical cyclones are not limited to the Atlantic basin (i.e., hurricanes), but also extend to the western North Pacific basin (i.e., typhoons) through inter-basin teleconnections. 

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Ensuring continuity: A new method for Florida Current transport observations

The flow of the Florida Current, one of the most powerful ocean currents in the world, has been measured by a submarine telecommunications cable between Florida and the Bahamas since 1982. Unfortunately, this record was interrupted in November 2023 due to a mechanical failure of the cable. Building on prior research, a new study presents an alternative method to continue providing the Florida Current daily transport estimates until the cable can be repaired. 

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Record warm ocean temperatures fuel longest-lasting 2023 US heatwave

Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. In a new study published in Nature Communications, scientists found a link between the long-lasting 2023 heatwave over the southwest US and Mexico and the record warm sea surface temperatures in both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. 

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New study reveals record heat and rapid cooling in equatorial Atlantic in 2024

Originally published as an official press release on the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School’s newsroom website. Atlantic Niño/Niña events can influence hurricane development, but they can be difficult to predict. A new study sheds light on the oceanic chain reaction that can trigger these events, potentially improving our ability to forecast them. A new study […]

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Ocean Month: Exploring and understanding our ocean through research cruises

Research cruises are essential for scientists to collect data, deploy instrumentation, and maintain ocean observing systems. NOAA regularly conducts research at sea to study the ocean and atmosphere, advancing our understanding of the ocean, monitoring ocean conditions, and ensuring sustainable fisheries and healthy marine habitats. These expeditions provide essential data for weather prediction, ocean acidification […]

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Monitoring vital signs: Tools and technologies at the heart of physical oceanography

In 2018, an Australian couple curiously stumbled upon a bottle of gin washed ashore in Wedge Island, Australia. Yet, there was no gin inside. Rather, preserved within the bottle was a note with the date June 12th, 1886; the name of a German barque, Paula; the ship’s departure and arrival ports; and the exact coordinates […]

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Ocean Month: Identifying the ocean’s role in fueling hurricanes

Join us as we celebrate and learn about our world ocean throughout National Ocean Month. June 1st not only marks the start of National Ocean Month, it also is the first day of hurricane season. To kick off this year’s Ocean Month, we are looking at the major role the ocean plays in the formation […]

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Australia to Thailand: I09N GO-SHIP cruise completes voyage 

After nearly 40 days at sea, the I09N GO-SHIP cruise (short for “Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigations Program”) aboard the R/V Thomas G. Thompson arrived in Phuket, Thailand on April 27th, successfully completing its mission surveying both the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. After departing from Fremantle, Australia on March 21st, the international team of researchers spent weeks collecting data essential for investigating global changes in ocean physics, chemistry, and biology.

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