Mon, 04 Jan 2013 08:58:49 EST http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/facts.html Find answers to ocean exploration questions on topics ranging from ocean life, geology, the chemical and physical properties of the ocean, exploration technology, and marine archaeology. http://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html en-us

Seamounts are underwater mountains with steep sides rising from the seafloor. Seamounts are often remnants of extinct volcanoes and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The technical definition of a seamount states that it should rise over 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) above the surrounding seafloor. Because they never break the water surface, seamounts are not islands. Seamounts can be found in every world ocean basin and scientists estimate that there are more than 100,000 seamounts around the globe. Over 30,000 of those are found in the Pacific Ocean alone. Despite their abundance, remarkably, less than one-tenth of a percent of the seamounts in the world have been explored. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/seamounts.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov e44a70c8-60c6-4159-9c4c-2ad35ec1ccc3 Wed, 15 May 2013 11:41:20 -0500

Red light does not reach ocean depths, so deep-sea animals that are red actually appear black and thus are less visible to predators and prey. In the twilight zone, there are numerous animals that are black or red. At depth, these animals are not visible. The black animals absorb all colors of light available and the red animals appear black as well; there is no red light to reflect and their bodies absorb all other available wavelengths of light. Thus red and black animals predominate. Since the color blue penetrates best in water, there simply are not that many blue animals in the midwater regions of the ocean; their entire bodies would reflect the blue light and they would be highly visible to predators. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/red-color.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 2c1e1b9b-bf27-4fd6-9a45-a9de97fc8901 Tues, 30 Apr 2013 1:32:20 -0500

"AUV" stands for autonomous underwater vehicle; at their most fundamental level, AUVs are simply computer-controlled systems operating undersea. AUVs are unmanned underwater robots akin to the Curiosity rover NASA uses on Mars. As their (autonomous) name suggests, AUVs operate independently of humans. AUVs have no physical connection to their operator, who may be on shore or aboard a ship. Rather, AUVs are self-guiding and self-powered vehicles. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/auv.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov f8e12489-07b3-4acc-a57d-00ad475880e8 Tues, 15 Apr 2013 11:13:20 -0500

People who are not familiar with ocean exploration often believe that the primary reason for investigating deep-sea ecosystems is little more than scientific curiosity. This perspective quickly changes, however, when they learn that these ecosystems are the source of promising new drugs for treating some of the most deadly human diseases.

Most drugs in use today come from nature. Aspirin, for example, was first isolated from the willow tree. Penicillin was discovered from common bread mold. To date, almost all of the drugs derived from natural sources come from land-dwelling organisms. But recently, systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organ­isms. Particularly promising invertebrate groups include sponges, tunicates, ascidians, bryozoans, octocorals, and some molluscs, annelids, and echinoderms. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/medicinesfromsea.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 32406e3f-184e-4475-8a87-8edb35e9ae3f Tues, 02 Apr 2013 10:20:20 -0500

When CO2 is absorbed by seawater, chemical reactions occur that reduce seawater pH, carbonate ion concentration, and saturation states of biologically important calcium carbonate minerals. These chemical reactions are termed "ocean acidification."

Calcium carbonate minerals are the building blocks for the skeletons and shells of many marine organisms. In areas where most life now congregates in the ocean, the seawater is supersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate minerals. This means there are abundant building blocks for calcifying organisms to generate skeletons and shells. However, continued ocean acidification is causing many parts of the ocean to become undersaturated with these minerals, which is likely to affect the ability of some organisms such as corals, shellfish, echinoderms, and many marine plankton, to produce and maintain their shells. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/acidification.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov ede2172f-6f5d-4ad4-92cf-be6221e52b73 Tues, 19 Mar 2013 11:24:20 -0500

Bioluminescence, or the ability of an organism to create light, is one of nature’s most amazing phenomena, seemingly drawn more from science fiction than science and natural history. While only a few land dwellers, like fireflies and some fungi, can make their own light, bioluminescence is very common in the deep sea. Bacteria, jellyfish, starfish, clams, worms, crustaceans, squid, fish, and sharks are just some of the groups of marine animals that have bioluminescent members. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/bioluminescence.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov debac07b-c688-41d5-ae91-de57d55c0205 Tues, 05 Mar 2013 10:06:20 -0500

Photosynthesis and chemosynthesis are both processes by which organisms produce food; photosynthesis is powered by sunlight while chemosynthesis runs on chemical energy. Ecosystems depend upon the ability of some organisms to convert inorganic compounds into food that other organisms can then exploit (or eat!). In most cases, primary food production occurs in a process called photosynthesis, which is powered by sunlight. In a few environments, primary production happens though a process called chemosynthesis, which runs on chemical energy. Together, photosynthesis and chemosynthesis fuel all life on Earth. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/photochemo.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 923d2485-a2c6-4d1a-891f-f488c48699cc Thur, 14 Feb 2013 11:16:20 -0500

Scientifically, El Nino refers to unusual sea surface temperatures throughout the equatorial Pacific and to the resulting worldwide weather effects. An El Nino condition is officially declared by NOAA when a three-month average of sea surface temperatures in the east central equatorial Pacific Ocean is 0.5° C or more above normal. Historically, El Nino occurred about once or twice per decade, but there is some indication that the frequency of these events is increasing. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/elnino.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 56dc4e0b-d22f-4e35-9618-cfd7be7e8ef7 Thur, 14 Feb 2013 11:12:20 -0500

Ocean currents can be generated by wind, density differences in water masses caused by temperature and salinity variations, gravity, and events such as earthquakes.

Surface currents are generated largely by wind. Their patterns are determined by wind direction, Coriolis forces from the Earth’s rotation, and the position of landforms that interact with the currents. Surface wind-driven currents generate upwelling currents in conjunction with landforms, creating deepwater currents. Currents may also be generated by density differences in water masses caused by temperature and salinity variations. These currents move water masses through the deep ocean—taking nutrients, oxygen, and heat with them. Occasional events also trigger serious currents. Finally, when a current that is moving over a broad area is forced into a confined space, it may become very strong. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/currents.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 611e8575-efb6-45e3-9fd6-6c607ceb0087 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:12:20 -0500

When gas molecules are trapped in a lattice of water molecules at temperatures above 0 degrees Celsius and pressures above one atmosphere, they can form a sta­ble solid. These solids are gas hydrates. Most gas hydrates are formed from methane (CH4). Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, and is the primary component of the natural gas that we burn for energy. If you hold a hydrate nodule in your hand and light it with a match, it will burn like a lantern wick. There is fire in this ice! ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/hydrates.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov c61b5886-4a59-48df-9904-4c91b6709416 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:03:20 -0500

Typical adaptations seen among animals that live exclusively in caves include a lack of pigmentation, reduction in the size of eyes (or absence of eyes altogether), and development of sensory mechanisms that do not depend on light for detecting food or predators. Many of these animals also have adaptations that reduce the need for oxygen. This is because anchialine caves (or coastal caves flooded with seawater) tend to be oxygen-depleted because there is no photosynthesis and very limited water circulation in the caves. These adaptations may be behavioral, morphological, or physiological. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/cave-adapt.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov a1ecd017-e794-4a5c-8b7f-0f84cfb7126c Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:28:20 -0500

Glass sponges have skeletons made of silica, which is the same material used to make glass, but glass sponges are not glass, per se.

Glass sponges, or hexactinellids, belong to the phylum Porifera. These animals are common only in the deep ocean. Their tissues contain glass-like structural particles made of silica. The many tiny siliceous elements of a glass sponge’s skeleton are called "spicules." Unlike most sponges, glass sponges produce extremely large spicules that fuse together in beautiful patterns to form a "glass house"; a complex skeleton that will often remain intact even after the sponge itself dies. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/glass-sponges.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 8418f9c7-31a7-424f-9a89-f24e6f88c1d2 Mon, 7 Jan 2013 04:03:20 -0500

Over half of all known coral species are found in deep, dark waters.

When most people think about corals, they usually imagine a sunny tropical reef speckled with fishes, crabs, snails, and other creatures on a colorful rocky outcrop. However, not all corals are found on island coasts in shallow seas. In fact, over half of all known coral species are found in deep, dark waters where temperatures range from 4-12 degrees C. For this reason, we call these corals the "cold-water" or "deep-sea" corals. They are found all over the world. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/coral-water.html oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 5fdda51d-9fa8-4a88-be96-f3f5ce100f6b Mon, 7 Jan 2013 05:13:20 -0500

Stalactites hang from the ceiling of a cave while stalagmites grow from the cave floor.

When discussing mineral formations in caves, we often talk about stalactites and stalagmites. A stalactite is an icicle-shaped formation that hangs from the ceiling of a cave, and is produced by precipitation of minerals from water dripping through the cave ceiling. Most stalactites have pointed tips. A stalagmite is an upward-growing mound of mineral deposits that have precipitated from water dripping onto the floor of a cave. Most stalagmites have rounded or flattened tips. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/stalactite.html Geology oceanexplorer@noaa.gov cc9cef11-7230-4840-92d6-b414b050967a Mon, 7 Jan 2013 06:22:20 -0500

There are three kinds of plate tectonic boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries.

A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other. Along these boundaries, new oceanic crust is formed. When two plates come together, it is known as a convergent boundary. The impact of the two colliding plates can form mountain ranges or deep seafloor trenches; a chain of volcanoes often forms parallel to the boundary, to the mountain range, and to the trench. At convergent boundaries, continental crust, made of granite, is created, and oceanic crust is destroyed. Two plates sliding past each other forms a transform plate boundary. As the plates alternately jam and jump against each other, earthquakes rattle through a wide boundary zone. In contrast to convergent and divergent boundaries, no magma is formed at transform margins. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/plate-boundaries.html Geology oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 8044f911-3dc3-4519-8aa8-22a07cc9ea9a Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:37:20 -0500

The impacts of pressure at ocean depth are less for organisms lacking gas-filled spaces like lungs or swim bladders.

Travel to 1,000 meters below the ocean’s surface and most organisms with gas-filled spaces (like us) would be crushed by the pressures that other deep-sea life experience. At deep-sea depths, the pressure is unimaginable, yet many creatures have no problem living there. This is because most things living in the deep ocean are largely water and water is incom­pressible. Without gas-filled spaces like lungs or swim bladders, organisms in the great deep are less affected by pressure than we imagine. Some ocean species perform vertical migrations of 1,000 meters each day, experiencing a 100 atm range of pressures with no harmful effects. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/animal-pressure.html Properties oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 9d84016d-5d93-4b72-ba2c-0c96e75a2b1e Mon, 7 Jan 2013 08:33:20 -0500

The bulk of the ocean is deep-sea habitat with no light.

The importance of light in the ocean is reflected by the description of the ocean’s verticalzones of the water column in terms of how much light they receive. The ocean is generally divided into three named zones: the photic (or epipelagic), twilight (or mesopelagic), and midnight (bathypelagic) zones. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/light-distributed.html Properties oceanexplorer@noaa.gov a3e92283-c981-477a-82a2-b097d68d27f8 Mon, 7 Jan 2013 09:05:20 -0500

CTD stands for conductivity, temperature, and depth, and refers to a package of electronic instruments that measure these properties.

A CTD device’s primary function is to detect how the conductivity and temperature of the water column changes relative to depth. Conductivity is a measure of how well a solution conducts electricity. Conductivity is directly related to salinity, which is the concentration of salt and other inorganic compounds in seawater. Salinity is one of the most basic measurements used by ocean scientists. When combined with temperature data, salinity measurements can be used to determine seawater density which is a primary driving force for major ocean currents. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/ctd.html Technology oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 22d5b43b-d3ae-4cc8-a70a-9606de59b011 Mon, 7 Jan 2013 09:54:20 -0500

NOAA uses "telepresence" technology to deliver data and video in real-time from ships such as the Okeanos Explorer to scientists, teachers, students, and members of the general public on shore.

Telepresence involves the use of technology to allow a person to feel, interact, and collaborate as if she were present at one location when in fact she is at a different location. When applied to ocean exploration, this ability to engage and share data and information with participants around the world, not just those on a research vessel, offers endless possibilities for learning and collaboration. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/live-video.html Technology oceanexplorer@noaa.gov cb250c8a-b4ca-4de6-86f3-c754ff704753 Mon, 7 Jan 2013 13:25:20 -0500

Marine archaeologists use essentially the same excavation tools as those used by archaeologists working on land.

When it comes to marine archaeology, the most common (and perhaps most popular) type of sites studied are shipwrecks. However, marine archaeologists also investigate other kinds of sites, such as flooded land sites or fishing structures. Underwater archaeological excavation is very similar to traditional land archaeology. Marine archaeologists use similar tools, but will opt for the plastic version of the tool so that it does not fall apart in the salt water. The archaeological goal of excavating materials in a controlled fashion where the original location of each object or artifact can be recorded and analyzed later is the same wherever you dig. The methods employed as we work underwater are slightly different because of the environment and the need for some different tools. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/marinearch-tools.html Archaeology oceanexplorer@noaa.gov d2cfd0a7-b650-410c-8677-00e809414796 Mon, 7 Jan 2013 14:43:20 -0500

The USS Monitor was an innovatively designed ironclad American Civil War ship that sunk in 1862 off the coast of North Carolina.

Designed by Swedish-American engineer John Ericsson, when it was constructed, the USS Monitor represented a radical departure from traditional warship design. This Union vessel was powered by steam alone and was the first American warship with no masts and sails. The Monitor was launched from Continental Iron Works, Greenpoint, Long Island (New York City) on January 30, 1862. Less than two months later, she encountered the larger and more heavily armed Confederate ironclad, Virginia, in the infamous Battle of Hampton Roads. While neither ship suffered much damage during the battle, their fight marked the first time iron ships clashed in naval warfare and signaled the end of the era of wooden warships. Shortly after midnight on December 31, 1862, while being towed by the USS Rhode Island to Beaufort, North Carolina, the Monitor sank in a gale off Cape Hatteras. Its final resting place was designated as the nation’s first national marine sanctuary in 1975. ]]> http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/monitor.html Archaeology oceanexplorer@noaa.gov 3ac6b9f2-8560-4f08-9eff-e029c69dcf72 Mon, 7 Jan 2013 15:07:20 -0500