Oceans

Animals

As big animals poop out

Whales move nutrients from deep ocean to surface waters. From there, nutrients move to land and fertilize continents. But the system is in trouble.

Animals

Scientists identify plankton from space

Plankton are often too tiny for our eyes to see. But when huge numbers bloom at once, they now can be ID’d from space, a new study shows.

Earth

Table salt and shellfish can contain plastic

Bits of plastic have turned up in sea salts purchased in Chinese supermarkets. The finding suggests all sea salts may be similarly tainted. Shellfish too.

Earth

Plastic trash travels up to Arctic waters

Bags, fishing rope and other tiny bits of plastic are now polluting Arctic waters, posing threats to area wildlife.

Earth

Quake provides test for tsunami prediction

The 8.3-magnitude Chilean earthquake offered an unexpected chance to test a new way of predicting tsunami damage.

Earth

Explainer: What is a tsunami?

Earthquakes and landslides can create huge waves that travel across oceans.

Climate

Pacific hurricanes to strengthen as Earth warms

Global warming is heating up the oceans. That is causing waters to warm. As a result, Pacific storms — called typhoons — will become more destructive.

Animals

A whale of a journey

The 5,200-kilometer (3,200 mile) journey of Isabela provides a window into the migration patterns of blue whales.

Earth

Asteroids boiled young Earth’s oceans

At least two asteroids hit Earth 3.3 billion years ago. This superheated the atmosphere, boiled the oceans and shaped how early life evolved.

Animals

This is no cold fish!

The opah is the fish closest to the whole-body warm-bloodedness typical of mammals and birds. This trait may give the species an edge in the ocean’s cold depths.

Climate

Carbon dioxide levels rise fast and high

The buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rising faster than at any time since dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The burning of fossil fuels is largely to blame.

Earth

Deep-sea fish show signs of exposure to pollution

A new study suggests deep-water fish may have health problems linked to human pollution. Eating these fish may expose diners to the same pollution.