This is an interesting article that states facts about the growing number of humpback whales in the wild today. This assertion is the result of the largest whale survey ever taken, which covered most of the North Pacific. The research indicated that the number of humpback whales in the wild could now be up to as much as 21000. This would be a huge improvement over the 1400 supposedly left in the wild in 1966. The numbers in this article appear very optimistic. If indeed these numbers are correct, this would be a shocking recovery by a species that had become highly endangered. This could be a bright beacon of hope for those involved in recovery efforts for other species. If human efforts saved a species such as the humpback whale from extinction, who knows what else could be accomplished with the proper resources. How do others feel about the incredible recovery of the humpback whale? Do you know any other species that have made miraculous comebacks such as this?

This is an interesting article about a new piece of technology that is being developed. When complete, it will be the first full ocean depth multi beam imaging sonar. With this new breakthrough, scientists will now be able to better explore the ocean's deepest points, such as the Mariana Trench. In addition, the technology will be used to assist in filming this area fro film director James Cameron. I feel that developing new technology such as this is very exciting. Humans will soon have access to the deep ocean like they have never had before. This new development will greatly influence our understanding of the way the ocean works, and therefore could come with immense consequences. This is why times of discovery are so incredibly important. Do others also find new technology such as this exciting? Do they think that greater knowledge of the depths of the ocean wil be good for humans in general?

This article discusses in detail the effects that rising sea levels could have on coastal communities in the next century. It is one of the first studies on this subject done for the whole country. The study shows that sea level will probably rise a meter before 2100, due to melting of the ice caps, and probably average a meter per century after that. This could eventually affect over a third of coastal area in the United States! Studies such as this are very important for those that live in coastal communities. If sea levels rise at this rate, life will forever be changed in these areas unless some type of protection system is put in place. These bustling ares will probably eventually have to be evacuated. Does anyone have any suggestions for how people living in coastal cities, such as Miami, can be protected from rising sea levels?

Scientists at Oregon State University have made a new discovery about water in the Pacific Northwest. This discovery unseats many assumption scientists have acted upon for decades. The new discovery is that soil holds very tightly on to the first precipitation that falls after a dry season and continues to hold on to that same water throughout the wet season, never letting it mix with the new precipitation that falls.  Scientists will now have to rethink many years of research that did not take these new findings into account. Though they are not yet entirely sure of all that these findings mean, they know that this information could have a wide range of environmental impacts. Information such as this is important in order to make sure that research scientists do about water is based on assumptions that are true. Water is becoming increasingly valuable, and it is imperative that we understand this substance as fully as possible. A great knowledge about H2O can only be beneficial once the resource becomes increasingly scarce. Now this new knowledge can aid scientists in future research. Is anyone surprised at this new discovery? Does anyone think this knowledge will be useful in the future?

Recent discoveries about water have been opening the eyes of many in the scientific community. Though water seems like the most basic of substances, it has many unique properties. This article is about a French scientist who has discovered one of these properties and proved its existence. His discovery is that water has a memory. For instance, if a substance is diluted in water, even after none of the original particles of the substance remain in the water, the water can actually carry the memory of these original particles. Also, the spectrum of frequencies of a substance can be recorded into a computer and played back into untreated water, which will then behave as if the substance was present. These discoveries could prove very important to scientists in the future. Obviously, any discovery about water, a substance that humans need to live, has the potential to be very important. Water, though it seems very simple, is a very interesting substance that behaves unlike most other liquids. It is important that we now understand that although we may think we have removed a substance from water, the water may still behave as if the substance is still present. I personally believe that scientists should continue to study the unique properties of water, since it is a substance in increasing demand that could very soon be the root of many conflicts. Do others feel that using resources to continue to discover new properties of water is a good idea? How do others feel about this particular discovery?

Scientists have long thought that the deepest parts of the sea, where water pressure is immense, could house but little life. However, recently scientists took a sample of dirt from the ocean bottom at this point and discovered something surprising, plentiful soft-shelled foraminifera, single-celled protists. Due to adaptations to the depth and pressure and lack of predators these organisms are actually able to thrive. This is just another example of how little we know about our own oceans. We are consistently making shocking new discoveries in areas that were previously unreachable. A greater knowledge of our planet is invaluable, and the deep ocean is probably where our information is most lacking. I find studying areas of the ocean previously inaccessible to us could prove great for humanity. How do others feel about groundbreaking discoveries such as this one? Should gaining more knowledge about the deep ocean be a priority?

Scientists have recently made two new discoveries concerning how processes within the ocean crust can affect atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. In one case magma intrudes into seafloor mud and releases carbon into the atmosphere. In the other, microorganisms deep in the crust digest hydrocarbons and release gas into the atmosphere. I personally feel that research such as this is very important. One of today's most pressing problems involves controlling levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Research such as this could provide insight into finding the solutions to environmental issues. Do others feel that research such as this could help solve environmental problems? Should we continue along this path?

This is an interesting theory proposed recently by scientists about a possible starting mechanism for plate tectonics. Most scientists agree that in ancient times a large mass collided with Earth. These scientists are proposing that the core of this mass went deep into the Earth and settled near the Earth's original core, and that now the two cores move around each other in a tight orbit, providing the energy needed for plate tectonics. This would completely alter our view of our planet. However, at this point these scientists admittedly have no concrete evidence for their theory, and most scientists are not quick to accept it. It is a commonly held belief that even if this was he case, that the pressure inside the Earth would have merged the two cores long ago. I personally have a hard time fully believing these new ideas, and the lack of real evidence does not do much to sway my opinion. However, I feel that if this research is pursued farther, it may lead to groundbreaking breakthroughs about the inner workings of our planet. Wegener's original hypothesis also did not have concrete evidence at first, and look where it has led us today. How do others feel about this theory of two cores in the Earth? Is there any merit to it?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615111618.htm

I find this article relevant because we have been discussing the history of oceanic technology in class recently. I find it amazing that we can go from what were huge innovations in their time, such as the aqua-lung, to inventions such as this in such a short time. Humans can now research ocean acidification from remote locations. This is an incredible breakthrough that can greatly increase our knowledge of the oceans as a whole. What do you think about new innovations such as this?

This article from the NOAA describes ocean exploration hat took place just this summer. Scientists dove to examine the shelf edge in Bermuda. In this way, they can gather data about low sea levels during Ice Ages, something we know relatively little about. Different geological features are examined to learn about sea levels during this period. I found this article interesting because in class recently we have been discussing ocean exploration from hundreds of years ago. This article, on the other hand, discusses contemporary explorations taking place now. I think it is important that we keep launching expeditions like this in order to learn as much as possible about the oceans of our planet. New discoveries can lead to untold benefits for humankind as well as the world as a whole. Do others feel that it is important to keep devoting research to future ocean exploration?

Though many are quick to point out the perils of ocean pollution and the increasingly growing negative impact that it will have on society, not many seem to be willing to come up with solutions in which the average human being can play a part. Obviously, most people don't approve of polluting the oceans, yet seem helpless when it comes to making a difference. This article from the government of New Zealand gives suggestions on what people can do to help reduce problems of ocean pollution: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/oceans/kids/reducing-pollution.html

The article lists suggestions of how people can begin to clean up the trash-filled ocean. It gives ideas such as organizing a beach clean-up and making sure that only rainwater goes through storm drains. It then proceeds to go into further detail on the description of each suggestion. In this way, the article hopes to inspire people to play their own part in the cleansing of the seas.

I personally feel that articles such as this are important to demonstrate to people that the solutions to the pollution problems in our environment are not completely out of reach. If articles such as this can incite many people to take action against these problems, the answers to our environmental concerns may be closer than we think. Do others have any ideas on what the average person can do to help reduce pollution levels in the oceans?

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0622_040622_oceans.html

Though the deep sea has yet to be fully explored, it was not for lack of desire. Rather, a lack of technology prevented extensive human exploration into areas of the greatest depth and pressure.

However, groundbreaking new technology has recently made further exploration possible. The Office of Ocean Exploration was established in 2000 to facilitate technological breakthroughs in this area. Many new advances are being made, such as equipping modern vessels used for research with much high-tech equipment, such as lights,cameras, and arms, in order to be able to fully get a sense of what life in the deep ocean is like.

I feel that exploration of this kind is very important. As was stated in the previous posts, humans know even more about space then we do about our own oceans. In my opinion, further researching the ocean can only lead to groundbreaking discoveries beneficial to humankind. I can only hope that humans don't help to destroy yet another fragile ecosystem. Do others feel like concentrating resources on further exploring the deep oceans could be beneficial? Harmful? A waste of time?