PMEL in the News
Simulation Shows How Tonga Tsunami Spread Across the Pacific
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released a simulation of last month’s tsunami that triggered warnings in Humboldt County and around the Pacific. The “tsunami propagation” animation, put together by the Tsunami Research NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, shows tsunami waves and ocean disruption produced by the massive volcanic eruption on the uninhabited South Pacific island of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha‘apai on January 15.
Fish Hum, Purr and Click Underwater -- and Now Machines Can Understand Them
(Inside Science) -- As the sun rises over the island of American Samoa, a chorus of animal voices drifts upward. They're not the calls of birds, though -- the purrs, clicks and groans are coming from under the water. New research shows how automation can make it increasingly easy to eavesdrop on the fish making the sounds and uncover how their environment impacts them. Jill Munger is quoted.
La Nina to Bring Intense Cold Waves but Lesser Snowfall in the Himalayas, Warn Climate Scientists
Expect less snowfall over the Himalayas, but intense cold waves in north India this winter, warn climate scientists. The reason: The development of La Nina for the second consecutive year, which is expected to last through early 2022, influencing temperature and precipitation. Michael McPhaden is referenced.
The Top Ten Ocean Stories of 2021
The year in ocean news brought about quite a few surprises, including the discovery of a self-decapitating sea slug and the return to popularity of sea shanties. We learned that whales poop a lot more than previously thought and that their excrement is essential for ocean ecosystems, and that even large sharks can glow. Technology allowed us to reach the deepest depths of the oceans, travel to the eye of a hurricane and a whole lot more. The Saildrone/PMEL/AOML Atlantinc Hurricane Mission is listed.
Hundreds of Volcanic Explosions Detected Underwater at Kīlauea
The explosions, identified during the 2018 eruption phase, offer a clear acoustic signal that researchers could use to measure ocean properties. Bob Dziak is quoted.