Dispatches from Oceans ’16: Understanding Oceans in the Face of Climate Change

Earthzine2016 Monthly Focus Topics, Original

Increasing understanding of the oceans as the climate changes will require attention to robotics, prediction, security and innovation. Monterey, California – At the plenary session on Sept. 21, 2016, speakers Marcia McNutt and Jon White called on the assembled scientists and engineers to step up public understanding of oceans and involvement in policy agenda setting. McNutt, president of the National … Read More

Dispatches from Oceans ’16: Exploring Other Oceans

Earthzine2016 Monthly Focus Topics, Original

How the field of AUV research is growing rapidly and breaking through barriers posed by ocean research. Monterey, California – How autonomous underwater vehicles are fundamentally changing the way humans are exploring the ocean was the focus of the first plenary session at Oceans ’16. “For most of us our view of the ocean has been in effect shaped from … Read More

Following the C: A Quick Introduction to Tracking Ocean Carbon

Earthzine2016 Monthly Focus Topics, Original, Themed Articles

With the rise in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon’s role in ocean chemistry and biology is being augmented. New tracking and modeling techniques help to reveal how a changing atmosphere may impact the oceans. Carbon plays a leading role in ocean chemistry and biology, a role currently augmented by rising atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2). Tracking the … Read More

Learning About the Environment and Making Smarter Decisions Using Web-Based Mapping Tools

Earthzine2016 Monthly Focus Topics, Original, Themed Articles

By Joseph Kerski, Ph.D. Education Manager, Esri Instructor, University of Denver Because environmental issues take place in specific locations and often exhibit specific spatial patterns, they can be better understood through maps. Map-based analysis can help planners, analysts, and the general public better understand relationships and trends between variables, scales, and regions. Map-based analysis helps people question, visualize, assess, and … Read More

Recharging California’s Diminishing Aquifers

Earthzine2016 Monthly Focus Topics, In-Depth, Original

California Ground Water

With increasing attention on methods of recharging depleted aquifers, groundwater moves to the frontlines of drought mitigation in California For the better part of a decade California has experienced a drought that has significantly depleted water reserves throughout the state. Surface water has long been the focus of California’s water supply planning, but a new awareness of groundwater is changing … Read More