Oceans

Climate

2020 was warmest year on record for Earth’s oceans

2020 continued the trend of record-breaking heat for the world’s oceans. The three previous warmest years on record were 2019, 2017 and 2018.

Animals

Choked by bacteria, some starfish are turning to goo

For years, researchers thought gooey, dying starfish were infected. Instead, these sea stars are suffocating. And bacteria may be behind it all.

Environment

Unmasking the pandemic’s pollution problem

Discarding all the materials people use to protect themselves from COVID-19 has created a growing environmental problem.

Animals

Let’s learn about sharks

This ancient group of fish can use scent and even electricity to detect their prey. And they fill an important niche in the ocean.

Ecosystems

Analyze This: Shipwrecks provide a home for bottom-dwelling fish

Fish have found a habitat in a submarine and freighter that sunk to the seafloor during World War II.

Animals

Whales get a second life as deep-sea buffets

When a whale dies and sinks to the seafloor, it becomes a feast for hundreds of different types of creatures.

Animals

One tiny sea parasite survives 200 times atmospheric pressure

Known as the seal louse, this tiny insect can survive deep oceanic dives on its mobile home, a marine mammal.

Microbes

Some deep-seafloor microbes still alive after 100 million years!

Some starving microbes nap while awaiting their next meal. For some living miles below the ocean surface, that nap may exceed 100 million years.

Climate

Let’s learn about coral reefs

Coral reefs are home to many important species. But climate change is stressing corals to the max.

Climate

Let’s learn about hurricanes

Hurricanes are huge, terrifying storms that form over warm ocean waters — and waters are getting warming.

Animals

Going bright may help corals recover from bleaching

When some corals bleach, they turn neon colors. Flashy hues may be part of a response that helps these corals recover and reunite with their algae.

Earth

Scientists Say: Tsunami

This is a series of ocean waves triggered by an underwater earthquake or volcano. The event starts as small waves, but those waves can grow as they approach land.