PMEL in the News
El Niño is looming. Here’s what that means for weather and the world.
Earth is under an “El Niño watch” as scientists eye signs that the climate pattern is developing. Its arrival could mean significant impacts worldwide, including a push toward levels of global warming that climate scientists have warned could be devastating. Mike McPhaden is quoted.
Scientists discover ‘spectacular’ undersea hydrothermal vents
Deep in the ocean, hydrothermal vents can tower up to 200 feet above the seafloor, belching out scalding water warmed by hot magma from underwater volcanoes. A recent expedition to locate more of these vents yielded a new find: a group of “black smoker” vents emitting water of 645 degrees Fahrenheit along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near Puerto Rico. PMEL Earth Ocean Interations Program's research cruise is highlighted.
What an ominous surge in ocean temperatures means for the planet
Researchers say one reason for the recent spike is the possible onset of an El Niño climate pattern. But, one scientist adds, "The real issue is the rising greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, which are going up and up and up.” Mike McPhaden is quoted.
Ocean El Niño monitor gets an upgrade
Revamped tropical Pacific buoys could aid atmospheric river forecasts. Billy Kessler is quoted and disucssed TPOS2020.
Earth in hot water? Worries over sudden ocean warming spike
The world’s oceans have suddenly spiked much hotter and well above record levels in the last few weeks, with scientists trying to figure out what it means and whether it forecasts a surge in atmospheric warming. Mike McPhaden and Greg Johsnon are quoted.