In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers utilising NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected a distant exoplanet potentially cloaked entirely by a vast ocean of water. This finding marks a significant leap in the exploration of habitable conditions beyond Earth.

The observations, facilitated by the JWST, unveiled the presence of water vapour along with chemical signatures of methane and carbon dioxide within the atmosphere of the exoplanet.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge suggested that this chemical composition indicates a 'water world' scenario where the ocean blankets the entire surface, coupled with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

Professor Nikku Madhusudhan, leading the analysis, speculated on the extreme conditions of the exoplanet's ocean, stating, "The ocean could be upwards of 100 degrees [Celsius] or more." However, the habitability of such an environment remains uncertain.

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Debates arise from a Canadian team's additional observations of the same exoplanet, challenging the proposed scenario.

They argue that the planet's temperature might be too high for liquid water to exist, estimating it could reach a staggering 4,000 degrees Celsius.

<h2>Habitable?</h2>

By analysing starlight filtered through exoplanet atmospheres, astronomers can discern detailed chemical compositions, shedding light on potential habitability.

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The absence of ammonia in the atmosphere of TOI-270 d supports the 'hycean world' hypothesis, suggesting an ocean beneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. However, further observations are needed to ascertain the abundance of water vapour and clarify the likelihood of an oceanic expanse.

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Dr. Jo Barstow of the Open University expressed excitement over the discovery, saying, "Spectra of these small planets with JWST are really exciting because these are brand new environments for which we have no solar system equivalent."&nbsp;

While the search for extraterrestrial life remains ongoing, scientists caution against premature conclusions. "We need to be extremely careful about how we communicate findings on this kind of object," Madhusudhan stressed, highlighting the complexity of interpreting data from distant worlds.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers utilising NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected a distant exoplanet potentially cloaked entirely by a vast ocean of water.

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers utilising NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected a distant exoplanet potentially cloaked entirely by a vast ocean of water. This finding marks a significant leap in the exploration of habitable conditions beyond Earth. The observations, facilitated by the JWST, unveiled the presence of water vapour along with chemical signatures of methane and carbon dioxide within the atmosphere of the exoplanet. Researchers from the University of Cambridge suggested that this chemical composition indicates a 'water world' scenario where the ocean blankets the entire surface, coupled with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. Professor Nikku Madhusudhan, leading the analysis, speculated on the extreme conditions of the exoplanet's ocean, stating, "The ocean could be upwards of 100 degrees [Celsius] or more." However, the habitability of such an environment remains uncertain. Also Read | Scientists discover a snake-like amphibian that produces milk for its young Debates arise from a Canadian team's additional observations of the same exoplanet, challenging the proposed scenario. They argue that the planet's temperature might be too high for liquid water to exist, estimating it could reach a staggering 4,000 degrees Celsius. Habitable? By analysing starlight filtered through exoplanet atmospheres, astronomers can discern detailed chemical compositions, shedding light on potential habitability. Also Read | Ancient love preserved: Termites found frozen in amber while mating 38mn years ago The absence of ammonia in the atmosphere of TOI-270 d supports the 'hycean world' hypothesis, suggesting an ocean beneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. However, further observations are needed to ascertain the abundance of water vapour and clarify the likelihood of an oceanic expanse. Watch | Mystery of MH370: Families seek closure, what really happened to Malaysia's missing airplane? × Dr. Jo Barstow of the Open University expressed excitement over the discovery, saying, "Spectra of these small planets with JWST are really exciting because these are brand new environments for which we have no solar system equivalent." While the search for extraterrestrial life remains ongoing, scientists caution against premature conclusions. "We need to be extremely careful about how we communicate findings on this kind of object," Madhusudhan stressed, highlighting the complexity of interpreting data from distant worlds. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's James Webb Telescope finds exoplanet with 'boiling ocean'. Is it a leap in habitable exploration?

Ocean temperatures reached a record high last month with average global sea surface temperature touching 21.06 degrees Celsius (69.91 degrees Fahrenheit), said the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on Thursday (March 7).

The average sea surface temperature in February exceeded the previous record of 20.98 C (69.77 F), which was set in August 2023, in a dataset spanning back to 1979.

This comes during what is dubbed as the hottest February on record.

Marine scientists issued a warning this week saying that a fourth global mass coral bleaching event will likely take place in the Southern Hemisphere, driven by warming waters, which could be the worst that the world has ever witnessed.

Under severe heat stress, corals bleach, driving out the beneficial, colourful algae that reside in their tissues, leaving behind a pale skeleton. They become susceptible to hunger and illness as a result, and many of them die.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/feeling-february-heat-scientists-expect-record-breaking-temperatures-this-month-691232">Also read: Feeling February heat? Scientists expect record-breaking temperatures this month</a>

Fragile reef ecosystems may collapse as a result, leaving coasts vulnerable to erosion, storms, and overfishing.

The scientists say that an El Nino climate pattern, which is borne out of warmer-than-normal surface waters in the Eastern Pacific, alongside human-caused climate change is the one fueling the extra heat.&nbsp;

"What is more surprising is that sea surface temperatures are at record levels over regions far away from the centre of the El Nino action, such as the tropical Atlantic and Indian Ocean," said climate scientist Richard Allan of the University of Reading.&nbsp;

He stated that this demonstrated the significant impact of increasing greenhouse gas emissions on the atmosphere.&nbsp;

The polar oceans are not included in the global average sea surface temperature data, however, the conditions there are dire too.

In February, Antarctic sea ice hit its yearly minimum extent, registering its third-lowest extent on record at 28 per cent&nbsp;below average.

C3S said that El Nino was now weakening in the equatorial Pacific, however, air temperatures over the oceans remain at an unusually high level.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ocean temperatures reached a record high last month with average global sea surface temperature touching 21.06 degrees Celsius (69.91 degrees Fahrenheit), said the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on Thursday (March 7).

Ocean temperatures reached a record high last month with average global sea surface temperature touching 21.06 degrees Celsius (69.91 degrees Fahrenheit), said the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on Thursday (March 7). The average sea surface temperature in February exceeded the previous record of 20.98 C (69.77 F), which was set in August 2023, in a dataset spanning back to 1979. This comes during what is dubbed as the hottest February on record. Marine scientists issued a warning this week saying that a fourth global mass coral bleaching event will likely take place in the Southern Hemisphere, driven by warming waters, which could be the worst that the world has ever witnessed. Under severe heat stress, corals bleach, driving out the beneficial, colourful algae that reside in their tissues, leaving behind a pale skeleton. They become susceptible to hunger and illness as a result, and many of them die. Also read: Feeling February heat? Scientists expect record-breaking temperatures this month Fragile reef ecosystems may collapse as a result, leaving coasts vulnerable to erosion, storms, and overfishing. The scientists say that an El Nino climate pattern, which is borne out of warmer-than-normal surface waters in the Eastern Pacific, alongside human-caused climate change is the one fueling the extra heat. "What is more surprising is that sea surface temperatures are at record levels over regions far away from the centre of the El Nino action, such as the tropical Atlantic and Indian Ocean," said climate scientist Richard Allan of the University of Reading. He stated that this demonstrated the significant impact of increasing greenhouse gas emissions on the atmosphere. The polar oceans are not included in the global average sea surface temperature data, however, the conditions there are dire too. In February, Antarctic sea ice hit its yearly minimum extent, registering its third-lowest extent on record at 28 per cent below average. C3S said that El Nino was now weakening in the equatorial Pacific, however, air temperatures over the oceans remain at an unusually high level. (With inputs from agencies)

Ocean temperatures hit record high in February, say EU scientists

The effects of climate change are drastically affecting oceans around the world. According to a new study the ocean circulation in the North Atlantic is likely to collapse by 2025. And this as a result of climate change.

Study warns about ocean circulation collapse

Atlantic ocean currents circulation nears breakdown: Study

Effects of climate change are becoming visible with each passing day. Earth is showing signs of Decay, oceans are undergoing significant changes, temperatures are rising and circulation is getting disrupted. A study has revealed that Atlantic Ocean circulation could reach a point of collapse. Watch to know more!

Climate Change disrupts ocean circulation, breakdown could disrupt global ecosystem

SpaceX launches nasa's pace satellite to study earth's oceans, air and climate.

NASA launches new climate mission to study ocean

Is there more to marine life than we know? A scientific mission that is about to set sail off the coast of New Zealand aims to answer just that question.

Research vessel with specialised equipment to set sail off the coast of New Zealand

China has unveiled its first ocean drilling vessel, the Mengxiang, which is designed to carry out an unprecedented mission: drilling through the Earth's crust.

Chinese Ocean drilling ship ready to drill through Earth's mantle

An unclaimed missile strike has resulted in a fire on board a merchant ship that reportedly was headed towards Israel in The Indian Ocean. The vessel is Affiliated with Israel and the Indian Coast Guard has been dispatched with a warship for immediate assistance to all people on board.

Merchant ship linked to Israel hit by drone strike off India's coast

Like many coastal countries around the world, Kenya is battling a pollution problem along its coast. Mired by plastic waste from people throwing litter, and ships dumping waste, it's having a direct impact on the environment and now, the problem is being tackled at a local level.

Kenyan artist turns ocean bound plastic waste into furniture

The researchers, in a major discovery, found a massive underwater mountain, also known as a seamount, on the Pacific Ocean's floor off the coast of Guatemala. 
 
The seamount is likely to be a remnant of an extinct volcano, similar to other seamounts, as per the NOAA Ocean Exploration, which is a federal programme and part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 
 
The seamount found is 1,600 metres (5,249 feet) tall, which is nearly twice the height of Burj Khalifa in Dubai – the world's tallest building, as per the press release issued by nonprofit organisation Schmidt Ocean Institute which carried out advanced oceanographic research.

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The discovery of the massive mountain, which covers 14 square kilometres (5.4 square miles) and is located 2,400 metres (7,874 feet) below sea level, took place in July during an SOI expedition, which is part of the efforts of the institute to further explore the ocean with the use of a research vessel known as Falkor (too). 
 
The ship has been designed for mapping the seafloor with the use of a multibeam echosounder that sends out sound waves to the ocean floor in a fan-shaped pattern and then measures the time which is taken by the sound to touch the ocean floor and return. 
 
Hydrographer and marine technician with the Schmidt Ocean Institute Tomer Ketter, who was also present on board, said that the seamount was not in any database that measures ocean depths, including the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans.

<h2>More than 100,000 seamounts still undiscovered</h2>

In a press release, the executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute Dr Jyotika Virmani said, “A seamount over 1.5 kilometres tall which has, until now, been hidden under the waves really highlights how much we have yet to discover.” 
 
“A complete seafloor map is a fundamental element of understanding our Ocean so it’s exciting to be living in an era where technology allows us to map and see these amazing parts of our planet for the first time,” she added.

Watch:&nbsp;More metals on the seabed than in all reserves on the land

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The researchers discovered the seamount 84 nautical miles outside the Guatemalan Exclusive Economic Zone. 
 
According to NOAA, there are more than 100,000 seamounts which are taller than 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) in the world, however, till now less than one-tenth of a per cent has been explored. 
 
“Seamounts have been explored only relatively recently due to the advent of human-occupied submersibles and very capable remotely operated vehicles (ROVs),” stated Les Watling, an emeritus biology professor with the University of Hawaii at Manoa, via email, as reported by CNN.

(With inputs from agencies)

The researchers, in a major discovery, found a massive underwater mountain, also known as a seamount, on the Pacific Ocean's floor off the coast of Guatemala. The seamount is likely to be a remnant of an extinct volcano, similar to other seamounts, as per the NOAA Ocean Exploration, which is a federal programme and part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The researchers, in a major discovery, found a massive underwater mountain, also known as a seamount, on the Pacific Ocean's floor off the coast of Guatemala. The seamount is likely to be a remnant of an extinct volcano, similar to other seamounts, as per the NOAA Ocean Exploration, which is a federal programme and part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The seamount found is 1,600 metres (5,249 feet) tall, which is nearly twice the height of Burj Khalifa in Dubai – the world's tallest building, as per the press release issued by nonprofit organisation Schmidt Ocean Institute which carried out advanced oceanographic research. Also read: Unique 'Lost City' deep in the ocean is a marvel, but it now faces mining threats The discovery of the massive mountain, which covers 14 square kilometres (5.4 square miles) and is located 2,400 metres (7,874 feet) below sea level, took place in July during an SOI expedition, which is part of the efforts of the institute to further explore the ocean with the use of a research vessel known as Falkor (too). The ship has been designed for mapping the seafloor with the use of a multibeam echosounder that sends out sound waves to the ocean floor in a fan-shaped pattern and then measures the time which is taken by the sound to touch the ocean floor and return. Hydrographer and marine technician with the Schmidt Ocean Institute Tomer Ketter, who was also present on board, said that the seamount was not in any database that measures ocean depths, including the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans. More than 100,000 seamounts still undiscovered In a press release, the executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute Dr Jyotika Virmani said, “A seamount over 1.5 kilometres tall which has, until now, been hidden under the waves really highlights how much we have yet to discover.” “A complete seafloor map is a fundamental element of understanding our Ocean so it’s exciting to be living in an era where technology allows us to map and see these amazing parts of our planet for the first time,” she added. Watch: More metals on the seabed than in all reserves on the land The researchers discovered the seamount 84 nautical miles outside the Guatemalan Exclusive Economic Zone. According to NOAA, there are more than 100,000 seamounts which are taller than 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) in the world, however, till now less than one-tenth of a per cent has been explored. “Seamounts have been explored only relatively recently due to the advent of human-occupied submersibles and very capable remotely operated vehicles (ROVs),” stated Les Watling, an emeritus biology professor with the University of Hawaii at Manoa, via email, as reported by CNN. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers discover giant underwater mountain, twice as big as world’s tallest building

Fishing is ranked as the deadliest job in the world. By many measures, Chinese squid ships are among the most brutal, as human trafficking, violence, filthy conditions, and death are common. Inside the deadly world of Chinese squid ships are the crimes that seafood reflects.

How China’s fishing fleet is transforming world’s oceans

Fishing is ranked as the deadliest job in the world. By many measures, Chinese squid ships are among the most brutal, as human trafficking, violence, filthy conditions and death are common. Inside the deadly world of Chinese squid ships are the crimes that seafood reflects.

The ice shelves of Greenland have seen a disappearance of more than a third in their volume since 1978, stated the researchers. 
 
The disintegration of the ice shelves has been accelerated because of warm ocean waters which have melted them from beneath and increased their chances of collapsing. 
 
Among the eight ice shelves which supported the vast glaciers of North Greenland, three have completely collapsed, while the five which remain have been retreating rapidly. 
 
Scientists have said that with the warming of the ocean, the ice shelves will continuously retreat and will have threatening consequences for global sea levels.

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As per experts from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), if these ice shelves entirely disappear, they can release enough water to increase global sea levels by 6.8ft (2.1m). 
 
Speaking to CNN, the author of the study and a glaciologist at the Grenoble Alpes University in France Romain Millan said, “These glaciers are among the most important of the ice sheet. They are the largest glaciers of Greenland.” 
 
He stated that the glaciers in Greenland's different parts began to lose mass in the 1980s and 1990s, and so far those present in northern Greenland “have remained relatively stable.” As per the study, this, however, does not appear to be the case any longer.

<h2>Greenland overall lost 25 per cent of the ice sheet: Study</h2>

Thousands of satellite images, as well as measurements from the field and climate models, were used by Millan and his co-authors to get a better understanding of the historical and current changes being observed in the ice shelves.

Watch |&nbsp;Climate change no longer a distant threat, it's a stark reality

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In the study, the scientists discovered a “substantial and widespread” increase in ice shelf disappearances. 
 
The researchers, headed by Romain Millan, wrote in Nature Communications, “Overall, 25 per cent of the ice sheet area is drained through former or remaining ice shelves, which represents a sea level rise equivalent of 2.1 m.” 
 
“If the glaciers located in North Greenland lose the buttressing provided by ice shelves, the increase in discharge could rival the largest contributors to Greenland ice mass loss,” they added. 
 
Since 1978, there has been a decrease of more than 35 per cent in the total volume of ice shelves which support the glaciers of northern Greenland, as per the study. 
 
“We can see that the ice shelves are weakening and that’s new key information that we didn’t know, because we thought that this part of Greenland was really stable,” Millan said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The ice shelves of Greenland have seen a disappearance of more than a third in their volume since 1978, stated the researchers. The disintegration of the ice shelves has been accelerated because of warm ocean waters which have melted them from beneath and increased their chances of collapsing.

The ice shelves of Greenland have seen a disappearance of more than a third in their volume since 1978, stated the researchers. The disintegration of the ice shelves has been accelerated because of warm ocean waters which have melted them from beneath and increased their chances of collapsing. Among the eight ice shelves which supported the vast glaciers of North Greenland, three have completely collapsed, while the five which remain have been retreating rapidly. Scientists have said that with the warming of the ocean, the ice shelves will continuously retreat and will have threatening consequences for global sea levels. ALSO READ | Luxury cruise ship remains grounded in Greenland with help days away As per experts from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), if these ice shelves entirely disappear, they can release enough water to increase global sea levels by 6.8ft (2.1m). Speaking to CNN, the author of the study and a glaciologist at the Grenoble Alpes University in France Romain Millan said, “These glaciers are among the most important of the ice sheet. They are the largest glaciers of Greenland.” He stated that the glaciers in Greenland's different parts began to lose mass in the 1980s and 1990s, and so far those present in northern Greenland “have remained relatively stable.” As per the study, this, however, does not appear to be the case any longer. Greenland overall lost 25 per cent of the ice sheet: Study Thousands of satellite images, as well as measurements from the field and climate models, were used by Millan and his co-authors to get a better understanding of the historical and current changes being observed in the ice shelves. Watch | Climate change no longer a distant threat, it's a stark reality In the study, the scientists discovered a “substantial and widespread” increase in ice shelf disappearances. The researchers, headed by Romain Millan, wrote in Nature Communications, “Overall, 25 per cent of the ice sheet area is drained through former or remaining ice shelves, which represents a sea level rise equivalent of 2.1 m.” “If the glaciers located in North Greenland lose the buttressing provided by ice shelves, the increase in discharge could rival the largest contributors to Greenland ice mass loss,” they added. Since 1978, there has been a decrease of more than 35 per cent in the total volume of ice shelves which support the glaciers of northern Greenland, as per the study. “We can see that the ice shelves are weakening and that’s new key information that we didn’t know, because we thought that this part of Greenland was really stable,” Millan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Three of eight ice shelves in Greenland have collapsed. It now only has five

In recent years, it was discovered that billions of snow crabs disappeared from the ocean around Alaska, and now the scientists have claimed that they know the reason behind it. As per the scientists, the snow crabs have starved to death because of the warmer ocean temperatures. 
 
The findings were released just days after the cancellation of the crab harvest season was announced by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for the second time in a row, citing the increasing number of missing crabs from the frigid waters of the Bering Sea. 
 
The study, which was published by scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday (Oct 19), found a significant connection between the missing snow crabs, which started disappearing in 2021 as per the surveys, and recent marine heat waves in the eastern Bering Sea. 
 
“When I received the 2021 data from the survey for the first time, my mind was just blown,” stated Cody Szuwalski, lead author of the study and fishery biologist at NOAA. “Everybody was just kind of hoping and praying that that was an error in the survey and that next year you would see more crabs,” she added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/weakening-of-gulf-stream-99-per-cent-ramifications-to-be-global-study-648008">Weakening of Gulf Stream 99 per cent certain, ramifications to be global: Study</a>

“And then in 2022, it was more of a resignation that this is going to be a long road,” said Szuwalski, while speaking to CNN.

<h2>Is overfishing a reason behind the disappearance of snow crabs?</h2>

In 2022, for the first time, the US snow crab fishery was closed in Alaska. As per the catchers, overfishing has led to the population decline of snow crabs, however, “overfished” is a technical definition that fails to explain the collapse, as per the experts. 
 
“The big take home for me from the paper, and just the whole experience in general, is that historically, fishery scientists had been very worried about overfishing — this has been our white whale, and in a lot of places we really solved that with management,” said Szuwalski. “But climate change is really throwing a wrench into our plans, our models and our management systems,” she added.

Watch |&nbsp;G20 host India proposes 'global biofuel alliance' | WION Climate Tracker

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For the study, the scientists looked into what could have led to the disappearance of the snow crabs in 2020 and ended it with two categories: the snow crabs have either moved or died. 
 
Szuwalski said they searched north of the Bering Sea, in deeper levels of the oceans and west toward Russian waters, and “ultimately concluded that it was unlikely that the crabs moved, and that the mortality event is probably a big driver.” 
 
In the research, it was found that population density and warmer temperatures were significantly related to higher mortality rates among grown crabs.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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In recent years, it was discovered that billions of snow crabs disappeared from the ocean around Alaska, and now the scientists have claimed that they know the reason behind it.

In recent years, it was discovered that billions of snow crabs disappeared from the ocean around Alaska, and now the scientists have claimed that they know the reason behind it. As per the scientists, the snow crabs have starved to death because of the warmer ocean temperatures. The findings were released just days after the cancellation of the crab harvest season was announced by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for the second time in a row, citing the increasing number of missing crabs from the frigid waters of the Bering Sea. The study, which was published by scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday (Oct 19), found a significant connection between the missing snow crabs, which started disappearing in 2021 as per the surveys, and recent marine heat waves in the eastern Bering Sea. “When I received the 2021 data from the survey for the first time, my mind was just blown,” stated Cody Szuwalski, lead author of the study and fishery biologist at NOAA. “Everybody was just kind of hoping and praying that that was an error in the survey and that next year you would see more crabs,” she added. ALSO READ | Weakening of Gulf Stream 99 per cent certain, ramifications to be global: Study “And then in 2022, it was more of a resignation that this is going to be a long road,” said Szuwalski, while speaking to CNN. Is overfishing a reason behind the disappearance of snow crabs? In 2022, for the first time, the US snow crab fishery was closed in Alaska. As per the catchers, overfishing has led to the population decline of snow crabs, however, “overfished” is a technical definition that fails to explain the collapse, as per the experts. “The big take home for me from the paper, and just the whole experience in general, is that historically, fishery scientists had been very worried about overfishing — this has been our white whale, and in a lot of places we really solved that with management,” said Szuwalski. “But climate change is really throwing a wrench into our plans, our models and our management systems,” she added. Watch | G20 host India proposes 'global biofuel alliance' | WION Climate Tracker For the study, the scientists looked into what could have led to the disappearance of the snow crabs in 2020 and ended it with two categories: the snow crabs have either moved or died. Szuwalski said they searched north of the Bering Sea, in deeper levels of the oceans and west toward Russian waters, and “ultimately concluded that it was unlikely that the crabs moved, and that the mortality event is probably a big driver.” In the research, it was found that population density and warmer temperatures were significantly related to higher mortality rates among grown crabs. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Here's why billions of crabs disappeared from ocean around Alaska

Researchers in the US state of Missouri found high concentrations of microplastics in a cave system that has been closed off to visitors for the past three decades.&nbsp;

The recent study is an addition to worrisome research which shows the extent of microplastic contamination which has been found in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/microplastics-found-in-cloud-for-first-time-researchers-sound-warning-bell-640473">clouds</a>, rain and even in several parts of the human body.&nbsp;

The findings related to the significant microplastic levels in the cliff cave in the city of St Louis were detailed in two new research papers, published in Science of the Total Environment and Water Research.&nbsp;

This time around, microplastics were found in the water and sediment in the cave system in Missouri, according to the scientists studying student-collected samples.&nbsp;

<h2>Microplastics found in ‘human-free’ cave</h2>

Microplastics have been defined as tiny chunks of less than five millimetres long pieces of plastic and microfibres from clothes that get caught in the Earth’s atmosphere. However, they are also formed after the breakdown of other plastic products like plastic bags due to ocean currents.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/credit-card-equivalent-study-finds-how-much-plastic-humans-inhale-every-week-but-where-does-it-go-606194">&nbsp;‘Credit card-equivalent’: Study finds how much plastic humans inhale every week. But where does it go?</a>

What makes this study exceptional is that no one had been able to enter the cave system since 1993 allowing the researchers to eliminate human presence as a possible cause of microplastic contamination. Additionally, most of the research on microplastics in this context has been focused on surface water settings but not the subsurface level.&nbsp;

“A lot of research has been focused on surface water settings…one of the most understudied areas in this field relates to what’s happening to the subsurface in terms of microplastic contamination,” said Dr Elizabeth Hasenmueller of St Louis University whose team published findings, adding that this is because of the highly visible problem of large plastic pollution in the ocean. &nbsp;

Hasenmueller and her team discovered that the flooding not only contributed to higher levels of microplastics but also brought a higher diversity of microplastics to the cave water.&nbsp;

Furthermore, when it receded, more microplastic was deposited near the cave’s mouth than in locations deeper in the cave. The study also found that microplastics were 100 times more concentrated in sediment than in the water of the cave.&nbsp;

According to Hasenmueller, as much as 99 per cent of the microplastic debris present in the cave was found stored in the sediment and “only a very small fraction” was in the water.

“As the waters recede, that material remains in the cave sediment, potentially for decades or longer,” said the researcher.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-scientists-detect-microplastics-in-human-hearts-study-625084">In a worrisome first, scientists detect microplastics in human hearts: Study</a>

<h2>Importance of the study</h2>

Researchers also warned that these microplastics could enter the groundwater, a common drinking water resource, or caves which are home to fragile ecosystems. So far, there is very little known about the impact of microplastics on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-study-finds-its-raining-microplastics-should-we-be-concerned-about-our-health-543789">human health</a>.&nbsp;

The cliff caves located near residential areas could have contributed to the high concentration of microplastic, according to Hasenmueller. She went on to warn that it could disrupt the delicate habitat of bats, amphibians, and other animals in the cave.&nbsp;

“On a larger scale, we, as a society, could move away from synthetic clothing, because a lot of the debris that we found in this cave was synthetic fibers from textiles,” said Hasenmueller.&nbsp; 
 
 
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Researchers in the US state of Missouri found high concentrations of microplastics in a cave system that has been closed off to visitors for the past three decades.

Researchers in the US state of Missouri found high concentrations of microplastics in a cave system that has been closed off to visitors for the past three decades. The recent study is an addition to worrisome research which shows the extent of microplastic contamination which has been found in clouds, rain and even in several parts of the human body. The findings related to the significant microplastic levels in the cliff cave in the city of St Louis were detailed in two new research papers, published in Science of the Total Environment and Water Research. This time around, microplastics were found in the water and sediment in the cave system in Missouri, according to the scientists studying student-collected samples. Microplastics found in ‘human-free’ cave Microplastics have been defined as tiny chunks of less than five millimetres long pieces of plastic and microfibres from clothes that get caught in the Earth’s atmosphere. However, they are also formed after the breakdown of other plastic products like plastic bags due to ocean currents. ALSO READ | ‘Credit card-equivalent’: Study finds how much plastic humans inhale every week. But where does it go? What makes this study exceptional is that no one had been able to enter the cave system since 1993 allowing the researchers to eliminate human presence as a possible cause of microplastic contamination. Additionally, most of the research on microplastics in this context has been focused on surface water settings but not the subsurface level. “A lot of research has been focused on surface water settings…one of the most understudied areas in this field relates to what’s happening to the subsurface in terms of microplastic contamination,” said Dr Elizabeth Hasenmueller of St Louis University whose team published findings, adding that this is because of the highly visible problem of large plastic pollution in the ocean. Hasenmueller and her team discovered that the flooding not only contributed to higher levels of microplastics but also brought a higher diversity of microplastics to the cave water. Furthermore, when it receded, more microplastic was deposited near the cave’s mouth than in locations deeper in the cave. The study also found that microplastics were 100 times more concentrated in sediment than in the water of the cave. According to Hasenmueller, as much as 99 per cent of the microplastic debris present in the cave was found stored in the sediment and “only a very small fraction” was in the water. “As the waters recede, that material remains in the cave sediment, potentially for decades or longer,” said the researcher. ALSO READ | In a worrisome first, scientists detect microplastics in human hearts: Study Importance of the study Researchers also warned that these microplastics could enter the groundwater, a common drinking water resource, or caves which are home to fragile ecosystems. So far, there is very little known about the impact of microplastics on human health. The cliff caves located near residential areas could have contributed to the high concentration of microplastic, according to Hasenmueller. She went on to warn that it could disrupt the delicate habitat of bats, amphibians, and other animals in the cave. “On a larger scale, we, as a society, could move away from synthetic clothing, because a lot of the debris that we found in this cave was synthetic fibers from textiles,” said Hasenmueller. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists find microplastics in cave closed to humans for 30 years: Study

Disguised as conducting scientific examinations in the Indian Ocean, Chinese vessels are presently engaged in extensive surveys across vast regions of the Indian Ocean Region.

Is China spying in the Indian Ocean?

Out of the world is a passe. These days if you want to grab eyeballs, you have to talk about something like out-of-the solar-system or out of the galaxy because it's not always we come across things crossing such unimaginable distances and landing on Earth.

Time to talk about one such discovery.

Scientists think that some material they've scraped from bottom of the Pacific Ocean travelled billions of miles and came from out of solar system. The conclusions are already sparking curious debate in the scientific community.

The material has come from a meteor that was traced by US government satellites. The meteor disintegrated over the Pacific in 2014. The meteor, designated IM1 was thought to have carried material from out of the solar system.

Avi Loeb, the famous Harvard University astronomer, led an expedition to find remains of the meteor.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/there-were-once-only-1280-early-humans-left-to-breed-claim-chinese-scientists-631716">There were once only 1,280 early humans left to breed, claim Chinese scientists</a>

The team used powerful rare-earth magnets to sift hundreds of spherules (0.05 to 1.3 millimeters in diameter) in the sediment 2 kilometres below surface of the Pacific Ocean 85 kilometres north of Manus Island.

Preliminary evaluation of 57 mineral objects has revealed that at least a few of them don't reflect the chemistry that's expected in our Solar System. This has started a speculation that IM1 came from our of the Solar System crossing the vast interstellar space.

"This is a historic discovery, marking the first time that humans hold materials from a large interstellar object, and I am extremely pleased with these results from this rigorous scientific analysis," says American entrepreneur Charles Hoskinson as quoted by Harvard University. Hoskinson funded the expedition to find remains of the meteor.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/as-moon-probe-chandrayaan-3-falls-asleep-sun-probe-aditya-l1-is-awake-and-kicking-631923">As moon probe Chandrayaan-3 falls asleep, Sun probe Aditya-L1 is awake and kicking</a>

The conclusions from the study are yet to be properly evaluated. ScienceAlert has reported that the study has been published on pre-print server Arxiv and is yet to be peer review.

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Out of the world is a passe. These days if you want to grab eyeballs, you have to talk about something like out-of-the solar-system or out of the galaxy because it's not always we come across things crossing such unimaginable distances and landing on Earth.

Out of the world is a passe. These days if you want to grab eyeballs, you have to talk about something like out-of-the solar-system or out of the galaxy because it's not always we come across things crossing such unimaginable distances and landing on Earth. Time to talk about one such discovery. Scientists think that some material they've scraped from bottom of the Pacific Ocean travelled billions of miles and came from out of solar system. The conclusions are already sparking curious debate in the scientific community. The material has come from a meteor that was traced by US government satellites. The meteor disintegrated over the Pacific in 2014. The meteor, designated IM1 was thought to have carried material from out of the solar system. Avi Loeb, the famous Harvard University astronomer, led an expedition to find remains of the meteor. Also Read | There were once only 1,280 early humans left to breed, claim Chinese scientists The team used powerful rare-earth magnets to sift hundreds of spherules (0.05 to 1.3 millimeters in diameter) in the sediment 2 kilometres below surface of the Pacific Ocean 85 kilometres north of Manus Island. Preliminary evaluation of 57 mineral objects has revealed that at least a few of them don't reflect the chemistry that's expected in our Solar System. This has started a speculation that IM1 came from our of the Solar System crossing the vast interstellar space. "This is a historic discovery, marking the first time that humans hold materials from a large interstellar object, and I am extremely pleased with these results from this rigorous scientific analysis," says American entrepreneur Charles Hoskinson as quoted by Harvard University. Hoskinson funded the expedition to find remains of the meteor. Also Read | As moon probe Chandrayaan-3 falls asleep, Sun probe Aditya-L1 is awake and kicking The conclusions from the study are yet to be properly evaluated. ScienceAlert has reported that the study has been published on pre-print server Arxiv and is yet to be peer review. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Scientists find material in ocean that's out-of-this-solar-system

There might be less plastic in the sea than we thought. A new study has some good news, but there’s a problem: Ocean pollution appears to be growing fast.

Less plastic litter in oceans than estimated: Study

United States federal investigators have said that a pilot error led to a United Airlines flight plunging towards the ocean,&nbsp;coming within 748 feet of crashing into the Pacific Ocean in 2022. 
 
In a recently published final report, the National Transportation Safety Board has stated that the cause of the deep dive, which was taken by United Airlines flight 1722, was “the flight crew’s failure to manage the aeroplane’s vertical flightpath” after an apparent “miscommunication” between both the pilots over the position of the wing flaps of the plane. 
 
The incident happened a minute after the Boeing 777 took off from Hawaii’s Kahului Airport on December 18, 2022, amid heavy rain and turbulence, said the NTSB. 
 
The flight, which had 271 passengers on board, continued towards its destination San Francisco without facing any further issues, said the investigators.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-register-case-in-connection-to-call-that-threatened-hijack-of-flight-to-tel-aviv-616255">Delhi police register case over call warning of possible hijack of flight to Tel Aviv</a>

The NTSB stated that the flight crew's statements have revealed confusion regarding the setting of the 777’s flaps, which are generally extended during takeoff and the pilot incrementally retracts it during climb out. 
 
“When the airplane reached the acceleration altitude, the captain reduced the pitch attitude slightly and called for the flap setting to be reduced to flaps 5,” said the NTSB in its report. “According to the first officer, he thought that he heard the captain announce flaps 15,” it added. 
 
The report stated that the captain, who was flying the flight at an altitude of 2,100 feet (640 meters), was worried about damaging the still-extended flaps and hence, he started decelerating and descending until cockpit alarms sounded.

<h2>The officer shouts ‘pull up pull up’</h2>

“Both pilots recalled hearing the initial warnings from the ground proximity warning system (GPWS), and the first officer recalled announcing ‘pull up pull up’ along with those initial GPWS warnings,” said the NTSB report. 
 
The report stated that United Airlines has brought changes to its training procedures and “issued an awareness campaign about flight path management at their training centre.” 
 
After the incident was first reported earlier this year, United stated that an investigation was being conducted with the FAA and the pilots union “that ultimately resulted in the pilots receiving additional training.”

WATCH |&nbsp;Virgin Galactic makes history with first space tourist flight

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United is “drawing on the lessons learned from this flight to inform the training of all United pilots,” said the airline in a statement on Thursday (August 10) 
 
“Our pilots voluntarily reported this event and United fully co-operated with the independent investigation so that insights could be used to enhance the safety of the entire industry,” it added. 
 
United said that additional training was provided to the two pilots after which they continued to fly for the airline.

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United States federal investigators have said that a pilot error led to a United Airlines flight plunging towards the ocean, coming within 748 feet of crashing into the Pacific Ocean in 2022.

United States federal investigators have said that a pilot error led to a United Airlines flight plunging towards the ocean, coming within 748 feet of crashing into the Pacific Ocean in 2022. In a recently published final report, the National Transportation Safety Board has stated that the cause of the deep dive, which was taken by United Airlines flight 1722, was “the flight crew’s failure to manage the aeroplane’s vertical flightpath” after an apparent “miscommunication” between both the pilots over the position of the wing flaps of the plane. The incident happened a minute after the Boeing 777 took off from Hawaii’s Kahului Airport on December 18, 2022, amid heavy rain and turbulence, said the NTSB. The flight, which had 271 passengers on board, continued towards its destination San Francisco without facing any further issues, said the investigators. ALSO READ | Delhi police register case over call warning of possible hijack of flight to Tel Aviv The NTSB stated that the flight crew's statements have revealed confusion regarding the setting of the 777’s flaps, which are generally extended during takeoff and the pilot incrementally retracts it during climb out. “When the airplane reached the acceleration altitude, the captain reduced the pitch attitude slightly and called for the flap setting to be reduced to flaps 5,” said the NTSB in its report. “According to the first officer, he thought that he heard the captain announce flaps 15,” it added. The report stated that the captain, who was flying the flight at an altitude of 2,100 feet (640 meters), was worried about damaging the still-extended flaps and hence, he started decelerating and descending until cockpit alarms sounded. The officer shouts ‘pull up pull up’ “Both pilots recalled hearing the initial warnings from the ground proximity warning system (GPWS), and the first officer recalled announcing ‘pull up pull up’ along with those initial GPWS warnings,” said the NTSB report. The report stated that United Airlines has brought changes to its training procedures and “issued an awareness campaign about flight path management at their training centre.” After the incident was first reported earlier this year, United stated that an investigation was being conducted with the FAA and the pilots union “that ultimately resulted in the pilots receiving additional training.” WATCH | Virgin Galactic makes history with first space tourist flight United is “drawing on the lessons learned from this flight to inform the training of all United pilots,” said the airline in a statement on Thursday (August 10) “Our pilots voluntarily reported this event and United fully co-operated with the independent investigation so that insights could be used to enhance the safety of the entire industry,” it added. United said that additional training was provided to the two pilots after which they continued to fly for the airline. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Human error | Plunge of United flight towards ocean was mistake of pilot, says NTSB

World's oceans set new surface temperatures. Break their 7-year record. Experts fear temperatures could rise even further.

World’s oceans set new temperature record

India's Samudrayaan project will be the nation's first manned ocean mission. India could join the elite group of countries who have conducted subsea missions with specialist technology. What is more to the Samudrayaan mission? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: India set to explore the depths of the ocean with the Samudrayaan project

There's a new contender for the heavyweight title. Look at this blue whale! Scientists unveil a partial skeleton of a newly discovered whale found in Peru.

Scientists unveil a partial skeleton of an ancient whale in Lima

In a groundbreaking study, novel research has revealed a concerning trend — waves are surging to greater heights and surf reaching at least 13 feet (approximately 4 metres) is becoming more frequent off the coast of California.

This escalating wave height has been attributed to the warming of the planet, as evidenced by meticulous analysis of seismic records dating back to 1931, an approach devised by Oceanographer Peter Bromirski at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

The study stands as a testament to the profound impact of climate change on oceanic dynamics and coastal regions, reported the Associated Press.

<h2>Seismic records unveil waves' escalating stature</h2>

The methodology employed by Bromirski is distinctive in its use of seismic records to chart the transformation in wave height.

As waves crash against the shore, they generate a reverberation of energy through the seafloor, a signal captured by seismographs designed to detect seismic activity.

The intensity of this signal correlates with the height of the waves.

Conventionally, wave height data relied on buoys deployed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), but these records only extended back to 1980, limiting the ability to comprehensively analyse historical trends.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/move-over-blue-whale-scientists-discover-40-million-year-old-earths-biggest-animal-ever-621809">Not blue whale, this 40mn-year-old animal is largest ever to have lived on Earth</a>

<h2>Unearthing decades of data: A gruelling endeavour</h2>

To extend the timeline of investigation, Bromirski enlisted a team of undergraduate students to scrutinise seismic data spanning decades.

This painstaking endeavour involved digitising voluminous paper records, a process that unfolded over several years.

Despite its labour-intensive nature, this undertaking yielded invaluable insights into the evolution of wave heights along California's coast over nearly a century.

The results of this study were striking. Average wave heights during winter months have augmented by up to a foot since 1970, a period that coincides with the onset of accelerated global warming.

Moreover, occurrences of swells measuring at least 13 feet have doubled in frequency between 1996 and 2016, in contrast to the period from 1949 to 1969.

A notable revelation was the absence of prolonged periods of exceptionally low wave heights prior to 1970, a phenomenon that has become virtually non-existent in subsequent years.

Also watch |&nbsp;What caused record rainfall in Beijing &amp; North China?

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<h2>Implications for coastal communities&nbsp;</h2>

These escalating wave patterns are not confined to the realm of statistics.

They manifest in tangible ways, with cascading consequences for coastal regions. Erosion, coastal flooding, and damage to vital infrastructure have surged, particularly when coupled with the rising sea levels attributed to climate change. Bromirski emphasised that these changes amplify the likelihood of destructive events and their frequency, contributing to a heightened risk landscape.

Oceanographer Gary Griggs, from the University of California Santa Cruz, who spoke to the Associated Press, noted that while a one-foot increase in wave height over half a century might not seem dramatic, it aligns with the broader trends seen in the world’s oceans.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a groundbreaking study, novel research has revealed a concerning trend — waves are surging to greater heights and surf reaching at least 13 feet (approximately 4 metres) is becoming more frequent off the coast of California.

In a groundbreaking study, novel research has revealed a concerning trend — waves are surging to greater heights and surf reaching at least 13 feet (approximately 4 metres) is becoming more frequent off the coast of California. This escalating wave height has been attributed to the warming of the planet, as evidenced by meticulous analysis of seismic records dating back to 1931, an approach devised by Oceanographer Peter Bromirski at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The study stands as a testament to the profound impact of climate change on oceanic dynamics and coastal regions, reported the Associated Press. Seismic records unveil waves' escalating stature The methodology employed by Bromirski is distinctive in its use of seismic records to chart the transformation in wave height. As waves crash against the shore, they generate a reverberation of energy through the seafloor, a signal captured by seismographs designed to detect seismic activity. The intensity of this signal correlates with the height of the waves. Conventionally, wave height data relied on buoys deployed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), but these records only extended back to 1980, limiting the ability to comprehensively analyse historical trends. Also read | Not blue whale, this 40mn-year-old animal is largest ever to have lived on Earth Unearthing decades of data: A gruelling endeavour To extend the timeline of investigation, Bromirski enlisted a team of undergraduate students to scrutinise seismic data spanning decades. This painstaking endeavour involved digitising voluminous paper records, a process that unfolded over several years. Despite its labour-intensive nature, this undertaking yielded invaluable insights into the evolution of wave heights along California's coast over nearly a century. The results of this study were striking. Average wave heights during winter months have augmented by up to a foot since 1970, a period that coincides with the onset of accelerated global warming. Moreover, occurrences of swells measuring at least 13 feet have doubled in frequency between 1996 and 2016, in contrast to the period from 1949 to 1969. A notable revelation was the absence of prolonged periods of exceptionally low wave heights prior to 1970, a phenomenon that has become virtually non-existent in subsequent years. Also watch | What caused record rainfall in Beijing & North China? Implications for coastal communities These escalating wave patterns are not confined to the realm of statistics. They manifest in tangible ways, with cascading consequences for coastal regions. Erosion, coastal flooding, and damage to vital infrastructure have surged, particularly when coupled with the rising sea levels attributed to climate change. Bromirski emphasised that these changes amplify the likelihood of destructive events and their frequency, contributing to a heightened risk landscape. Oceanographer Gary Griggs, from the University of California Santa Cruz, who spoke to the Associated Press, noted that while a one-foot increase in wave height over half a century might not seem dramatic, it aligns with the broader trends seen in the world’s oceans. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ocean waves are getting bigger as Earth gets warm, study says

From torrential rains causing floods and landslides to scorching heat waves taking a heavy toll extreme weather patterns are becoming frequent across the world. Now a bigger threat seems to be on the rounds, a new study reveals that a vital system of ocean currents could collapse within a few decades due to global warming.

Vital ocean currents could collapse by mid-century: Study

A joint team of Indo-Japanese scientists have found traces of an ancient ocean that once existed in the Himalayas around 600 million years ago.

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and Niigata University, Japan, have discovered droplets of water trapped in mineral deposits that were likely left behind from the pristine ocean.

After analysing the deposits, which had both calcium and magnesium carbonates, the researchers said that the discovery could provide key insights into a significant oxygenation event in Earth's past.

“These mineral deposits are like time capsule for paleo oceans," Prakash Chandra Arya, a PhD student at the Centre for Earth Sciences (CEaS), IISc, and the research's lead author, said in his study published in Precambrian Research.

<h2>Snowball Earth glaciation</h2>

According to their thesis, Earth was once covered with thick sheets of ice between 700 and 500 million years ago, known as the Snowball Earth glaciation— one of the major glacial events in Earth's history.

Then it was followed by the Second Great Oxygenation Event, which increased the amount of oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere and led to the evolution of complex life forms.

However, scientists have not fully comprehended how these events were connected due to the lack of well-preserved fossils and the disappearance of all past oceans that existed in the Earth's history.

They believe that exposure of such marine rocks in the Himalayas can offer some clues to the Earth’s past climate.

"We don't know much about past oceans," says Prakash. "How different or similar were they compared to present-day oceans? Were they more acidic or basic, nutrient-rich or deficient, warm or cold, and what was their chemical and isotopic composition?"

“Such insights could also provide clues about the Earth's past climate, and this information can be useful for climate modelling,” he added.

<h2>What did they find?</h2>

The study states that the deposit found by the team showed that the sedimentary basins were deprived of calcium for a prolonged period of time, probably due to low riverine input.

This lack of calcium led to increased magnesium levels, with the resulting magnesium deposits trapping ancient ocean water as they crystallised.

"During this time, there was no flow in the oceans, and hence no calcium input. When there is no flow or calcium input, as more calcium precipitates, the amount of magnesium goes up," says Sajeev Krishnan, Professor at CEaS and corresponding author of the study.

The study states that calcium deprivation may have caused nutrient deficiency and created favourable conditions for slow-growing photosynthetic cyanobacteria.

These organisms could have begun releasing more oxygen into the atmosphere, contributing to the Second Great Oxygenation Event, their research argues.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boys-affected-by-parental-death-face-greater-challenges-in-later-life-than-girls-study-620043">Boys affected by parental death face greater challenges in later life than girls: Study</a>

The study was conducted across a vast stretch of the western Kumaon Himalayas, from Amritpur to the Milam glacier and Dehradun to the Gangotri glacier region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-joins-hands-with-lockheed-martin-to-develop-nuclear-powered-rocket-619857">NASA &amp; Lockheed Martin join hands to send humanity to Mars on a nuclear-powered rocket</a>

Using extensive laboratory analysis, scientists were able to confirm that the deposits originated due to precipitation from ancient ocean water, and not from other places, such as the Earth's interior, for example from submarine volcanic activity.

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A joint team of Indo-Japanese scientists have found traces of an ancient ocean that once existed in the Himalayas around 600 million years ago. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and Niigata University, Japan, have discovered droplets of water trapped in mineral deposits that were likely left behind from the pristine ocean.

A joint team of Indo-Japanese scientists have found traces of an ancient ocean that once existed in the Himalayas around 600 million years ago. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and Niigata University, Japan, have discovered droplets of water trapped in mineral deposits that were likely left behind from the pristine ocean. After analysing the deposits, which had both calcium and magnesium carbonates, the researchers said that the discovery could provide key insights into a significant oxygenation event in Earth's past. “These mineral deposits are like time capsule for paleo oceans," Prakash Chandra Arya, a PhD student at the Centre for Earth Sciences (CEaS), IISc, and the research's lead author, said in his study published in Precambrian Research. Snowball Earth glaciation According to their thesis, Earth was once covered with thick sheets of ice between 700 and 500 million years ago, known as the Snowball Earth glaciation— one of the major glacial events in Earth's history. Then it was followed by the Second Great Oxygenation Event, which increased the amount of oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere and led to the evolution of complex life forms. However, scientists have not fully comprehended how these events were connected due to the lack of well-preserved fossils and the disappearance of all past oceans that existed in the Earth's history. They believe that exposure of such marine rocks in the Himalayas can offer some clues to the Earth’s past climate. "We don't know much about past oceans," says Prakash. "How different or similar were they compared to present-day oceans? Were they more acidic or basic, nutrient-rich or deficient, warm or cold, and what was their chemical and isotopic composition?" “Such insights could also provide clues about the Earth's past climate, and this information can be useful for climate modelling,” he added. What did they find? The study states that the deposit found by the team showed that the sedimentary basins were deprived of calcium for a prolonged period of time, probably due to low riverine input. This lack of calcium led to increased magnesium levels, with the resulting magnesium deposits trapping ancient ocean water as they crystallised. "During this time, there was no flow in the oceans, and hence no calcium input. When there is no flow or calcium input, as more calcium precipitates, the amount of magnesium goes up," says Sajeev Krishnan, Professor at CEaS and corresponding author of the study. The study states that calcium deprivation may have caused nutrient deficiency and created favourable conditions for slow-growing photosynthetic cyanobacteria. These organisms could have begun releasing more oxygen into the atmosphere, contributing to the Second Great Oxygenation Event, their research argues. Also read | Boys affected by parental death face greater challenges in later life than girls: Study The study was conducted across a vast stretch of the western Kumaon Himalayas, from Amritpur to the Milam glacier and Dehradun to the Gangotri glacier region. Also read | NASA & Lockheed Martin join hands to send humanity to Mars on a nuclear-powered rocket Using extensive laboratory analysis, scientists were able to confirm that the deposits originated due to precipitation from ancient ocean water, and not from other places, such as the Earth's interior, for example from submarine volcanic activity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scientists find ancient ocean water in Himalayas, offer insights into Earth’s past

A recent study suggests that the Gulf Stream system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc), could collapse as early as 2025, posing catastrophic climate impacts.

Researchers had previously identified Amoc as being at its weakest point in 1,600 years due to global heating.

In 2021, warning signs of a tipping point were observed. The new analysis estimates a potential collapse between 2025 and 2095, with the central estimate being 2050 if global carbon emissions continue unabated, reported the Guardian.

Past collapses have resulted in temperature changes of up to 10 degree&nbsp;Celsius&nbsp;within a few decades, although those instances occurred during ice ages, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

While some scientists believe the assumptions and uncertainties surrounding the tipping point's timing are too significant for a precise estimate, all agree that the prospect of an Amoc collapse is deeply concerning and should drive immediate reductions in carbon emissions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/exquisitely-preserved-fossil-forest-from-late-miocene-epoch-found-in-japan-619245">Exquisitely preserved fossil forest from late Miocene epoch found in Japan</a>

<h2>Tipping point warning: Amoc's weakening and past collapses</h2>

Amoc plays a crucial role by carrying warm ocean water northwards, cooling, and sinking it, which drives the Atlantic's currents. However, the influx of freshwater from melting Greenland's ice cap and other sources is increasingly stifling these currents.

A potential Amoc collapse would have disastrous consequences globally, severely disrupting rainfall patterns in regions like India, South America, and West Africa, upon which billions of people depend for food.

It would lead to more storms and colder temperatures in Europe, cause rising sea levels on the eastern coast of North America, and further endanger the Amazon rainforest and Antarctic ice sheets.

Professor Peter Ditlevsen from the University of Copenhagen, who led the study and spoke to The Guardian, expressed significant concern about the potential impact, noting that Amoc has not experienced a shutdown in the last 12,000 years.

Amoc has historically collapsed and restarted during ice age cycles from 115,000 to 12,000 years ago. Today, it remains one of the most concerning climate tipping points as global temperatures continue to rise.

Recent research suggests that five dangerous tipping points may have already been crossed due to the 1.1 degree&nbsp;Celsius of global heating experienced so far.

The study, published in Nature Communications, utilised sea surface temperature data since 1870 as a proxy for Amoc strength changes over time. Researchers mapped this data onto the path of systems approaching a specific type of tipping point, known as a "saddle-node bifurcation." The analysis showed a close fit between the data and the tipping point path, allowing for an extrapolation to estimate the likely timing of the tipping point.

Also watch |&nbsp;Italy: Global warming hurting crops

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<h2>Urgent need for reduction in carbon emissions&nbsp;to mitigate Amoc collapse</h2>

The scenario assumed a continuation of greenhouse gas emissions at their current rate. If emissions begin to decline as intended by climate policies, the world would have more time to prevent global temperatures from surpassing the Amoc tipping point.

While uncertainties persist among scientists regarding the tipping point's precise location and timing, the findings have prompted an urgent call for further research and immediate action to reduce carbon emissions. Multiple approaches have led to similar conclusions, emphasising the gravity of the risk that we must strive to avoid.

&nbsp;

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A recent study suggests that the Gulf Stream system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc), could collapse as early as 2025, posing catastrophic climate impacts.

A recent study suggests that the Gulf Stream system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc), could collapse as early as 2025, posing catastrophic climate impacts. Researchers had previously identified Amoc as being at its weakest point in 1,600 years due to global heating. In 2021, warning signs of a tipping point were observed. The new analysis estimates a potential collapse between 2025 and 2095, with the central estimate being 2050 if global carbon emissions continue unabated, reported the Guardian. Past collapses have resulted in temperature changes of up to 10 degree Celsius within a few decades, although those instances occurred during ice ages, reported the Guardian. While some scientists believe the assumptions and uncertainties surrounding the tipping point's timing are too significant for a precise estimate, all agree that the prospect of an Amoc collapse is deeply concerning and should drive immediate reductions in carbon emissions. Also read | Exquisitely preserved fossil forest from late Miocene epoch found in Japan Tipping point warning: Amoc's weakening and past collapses Amoc plays a crucial role by carrying warm ocean water northwards, cooling, and sinking it, which drives the Atlantic's currents. However, the influx of freshwater from melting Greenland's ice cap and other sources is increasingly stifling these currents. A potential Amoc collapse would have disastrous consequences globally, severely disrupting rainfall patterns in regions like India, South America, and West Africa, upon which billions of people depend for food. It would lead to more storms and colder temperatures in Europe, cause rising sea levels on the eastern coast of North America, and further endanger the Amazon rainforest and Antarctic ice sheets. Professor Peter Ditlevsen from the University of Copenhagen, who led the study and spoke to The Guardian, expressed significant concern about the potential impact, noting that Amoc has not experienced a shutdown in the last 12,000 years. Amoc has historically collapsed and restarted during ice age cycles from 115,000 to 12,000 years ago. Today, it remains one of the most concerning climate tipping points as global temperatures continue to rise. Recent research suggests that five dangerous tipping points may have already been crossed due to the 1.1 degree Celsius of global heating experienced so far. The study, published in Nature Communications, utilised sea surface temperature data since 1870 as a proxy for Amoc strength changes over time. Researchers mapped this data onto the path of systems approaching a specific type of tipping point, known as a "saddle-node bifurcation." The analysis showed a close fit between the data and the tipping point path, allowing for an extrapolation to estimate the likely timing of the tipping point. Also watch | Italy: Global warming hurting crops Urgent need for reduction in carbon emissions to mitigate Amoc collapse The scenario assumed a continuation of greenhouse gas emissions at their current rate. If emissions begin to decline as intended by climate policies, the world would have more time to prevent global temperatures from surpassing the Amoc tipping point. While uncertainties persist among scientists regarding the tipping point's precise location and timing, the findings have prompted an urgent call for further research and immediate action to reduce carbon emissions. Multiple approaches have led to similar conclusions, emphasising the gravity of the risk that we must strive to avoid. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Gulf stream in peril: Study suggests collapse possible as early as 2025

According to new research, the colour of the Earth's oceans is changing because of climate breakdown. The report suggests that the deep blue sea is actually turning greener over time and added that climate change is also affecting areas in the low latitudes near the equator.

“The reason we care about this is not because we care about the colour, but because the colour is a reflection of the changes in the state of the ecosystem,” stated BB Cael, a scientist at the National Oceanography Centre at the University of Southampton and author of the study which was published in Nature.

Earlier research has focused on the changes in the ocean's greenness, using the verdant chlorophyll present in its plankton, to know more about the impacts of climate change. However, the team led by Cael has studied the observations recorded by NASA's Modis-Aqua satellite which is an exhaustive data repository and searched for patterns of change in the colours of the ocean using a fuller colour spectrum, which included red and blue.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-perils-of-deep-sea-mining-demand-for-green-technologies-threatens-marine-life-613959">Explained: How deep-sea mining &amp; demand for green technologies threaten marine life</a>

Plankton of various sizes have been scattering light in different ways and plankton, which have different pigments, have been absorbing light in various ways.&nbsp;

<h2>More than 56 per cent of the oceans facing 'greening effect'</h2>

By studying the colour changes, scientists can provide clarity over changes in plankton populations across the world. Phytoplankton is important for ocean ecosystems because it remains at the base of many of its food chains.

“We do have changes in the colour that are significantly emerging in almost all of the ocean of the tropics or subtropics,” stated Cael. The changes have been noted in more than 56 per cent of the oceans across the world, which is an area more than all of the land spread on the globe.&nbsp;

In many areas there’s a clear “greening effect”, &nbsp;stated Cael, however, he added that there are also water bodies where the blue or red colourings are falling or rising.&nbsp;

“These are not ultra, massive ecosystem-destroying changes, they may be subtle,” stated Cael. “But this gives us an additional piece of evidence that human activity is likely affecting large parts of the global biosphere in a way that we haven’t been able to understand," he added.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Scientists unravel the mystery of Indian Ocean

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A researcher of ocean productivity at Oregon State University, Michael J Behrenfeld, said that the study extensively documents another consequence of changing climate. However, it remains unclear how strong these changes are and what exactly is taking place inside the ocean which is causing them.&nbsp;

“Most likely, the measured trends are associated with multiple factors changing in parallel. With answers to these questions, we can then begin understanding what the ecological and biogeochemical implications are,” stated Behrenfeld.

An advanced satellite mission called Pace (plankton, aerosol, cloud, ocean ecosystem) will be launched by NASA in January 204 which will measure hundreds of colours in the ocean. “Making more meaningful inferences about what the changes actually are ecologically is definitely a big next step,” stated Cael.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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According to new research, the colour of the Earth's oceans is changing because of climate breakdown. The report suggests that the deep blue sea is actually turning greener over time and added that climate change is also affecting areas in the low latitudes near the equator.

According to new research, the colour of the Earth's oceans is changing because of climate breakdown. The report suggests that the deep blue sea is actually turning greener over time and added that climate change is also affecting areas in the low latitudes near the equator. “The reason we care about this is not because we care about the colour, but because the colour is a reflection of the changes in the state of the ecosystem,” stated BB Cael, a scientist at the National Oceanography Centre at the University of Southampton and author of the study which was published in Nature. Earlier research has focused on the changes in the ocean's greenness, using the verdant chlorophyll present in its plankton, to know more about the impacts of climate change. However, the team led by Cael has studied the observations recorded by NASA's Modis-Aqua satellite which is an exhaustive data repository and searched for patterns of change in the colours of the ocean using a fuller colour spectrum, which included red and blue. ALSO READ | Explained: How deep-sea mining & demand for green technologies threaten marine life Plankton of various sizes have been scattering light in different ways and plankton, which have different pigments, have been absorbing light in various ways. More than 56 per cent of the oceans facing 'greening effect' By studying the colour changes, scientists can provide clarity over changes in plankton populations across the world. Phytoplankton is important for ocean ecosystems because it remains at the base of many of its food chains. “We do have changes in the colour that are significantly emerging in almost all of the ocean of the tropics or subtropics,” stated Cael. The changes have been noted in more than 56 per cent of the oceans across the world, which is an area more than all of the land spread on the globe. In many areas there’s a clear “greening effect”, stated Cael, however, he added that there are also water bodies where the blue or red colourings are falling or rising. “These are not ultra, massive ecosystem-destroying changes, they may be subtle,” stated Cael. “But this gives us an additional piece of evidence that human activity is likely affecting large parts of the global biosphere in a way that we haven’t been able to understand," he added. WATCH | Scientists unravel the mystery of Indian Ocean A researcher of ocean productivity at Oregon State University, Michael J Behrenfeld, said that the study extensively documents another consequence of changing climate. However, it remains unclear how strong these changes are and what exactly is taking place inside the ocean which is causing them. “Most likely, the measured trends are associated with multiple factors changing in parallel. With answers to these questions, we can then begin understanding what the ecological and biogeochemical implications are,” stated Behrenfeld. An advanced satellite mission called Pace (plankton, aerosol, cloud, ocean ecosystem) will be launched by NASA in January 204 which will measure hundreds of colours in the ocean. “Making more meaningful inferences about what the changes actually are ecologically is definitely a big next step,” stated Cael. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Climate change making world's oceans 'green', suggests new study

A 5,000-mile-wide blob&nbsp;of murky seaweed slithered menacingly across the Atlantic before depositing itself upon the US coastline. It may have been one of Alfred Hitchcock's fantastical otherworldly stories.

However, now that massive clumps of the 13 million tonne sargassum belt known as the Great Atlantic are washing up on Florida beaches, scientists are warning of a real-life hazard posed by the heaps of rotting algae, notably high concentrations of the flesh-eating Vibrio bacteria hiding in the vegetation.

The disturbing discovery by marine scientists at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) gives the invasion of brown seaweed—which is already threatening to ruin the state's lucrative summer tourism season—a perilous new dimension. Coatings of decomposing goop emit a strong odour resembling that of rotting eggs.

Even more concerning, according to the experts, is how ocean pollution contributes to the growth of the bacteria, which, if ingested, can lead to illness and even death. As a result of the plastic debris's interaction with the bacteria and algae in the samples studied from the Atlantic's Caribbean and Sargasso Sea, a "perfect pathogen storm [with] implications for both marine life and public health" was created.

“Our lab work showed that these Vibrio are extremely aggressive and can seek out and stick to plastic within minutes,” Tracy Mincer, assistant professor of biology at FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Harriet L Wilkes Honors College told the Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/breast-cancer-drug-slashes-risk-of-recurrence-by-25-a-game-changer-in-fight-against-the-disease-600156">Breast cancer drug slashes risk of recurrence by 25 pc, a game-changer in fight against the disease</a>

<h2>Disturbing discovery</h2>

He said that the seaweed belt, which stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the coast of Africa, served as the ideal breeding habitat for "omnivorous" strains of bacteria that prey on both plant and animal life, as well as accompanying "microbial flora" that may include diseases with high pathogenic potential.

“We really want to make the public aware of these associated risks. In particular, caution should be exercised regarding the harvest and processing of sargassum biomass until the risks are explored more thoroughly,” he said.

Many people are concerned about this, including municipal workers tasked with cleaning up washed-up seaweed off Florida's beaches to make them more appealing to visitors, as well as groups of volunteers who care about the environment and fill garbage bags with the debris that has washed ashore.

“It’s very alarming in the first place to see it on the beaches, and alarming to see all the plastic that is entangled in it. And now even more than that, there’s harmful bacteria too. That’s so scary,” Sophie Ringel, founder of the non-profit&nbsp;Clean Miami Beach told the Guardian.

In order to minimise direct contact with the items they remove, recruits will be using protective measures including thick gloves, sanitisers, and long-handled grabbers for the group's beach cleaning on Saturday to commemorate World Ocean Day.

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A 5,000-mile-wide blob of murky seaweed slithered menacingly across the Atlantic before depositing itself upon the US coastline. It may have been one of Alfred Hitchcock's fantastical otherworldly stories.

A 5,000-mile-wide blob of murky seaweed slithered menacingly across the Atlantic before depositing itself upon the US coastline. It may have been one of Alfred Hitchcock's fantastical otherworldly stories. However, now that massive clumps of the 13 million tonne sargassum belt known as the Great Atlantic are washing up on Florida beaches, scientists are warning of a real-life hazard posed by the heaps of rotting algae, notably high concentrations of the flesh-eating Vibrio bacteria hiding in the vegetation. The disturbing discovery by marine scientists at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) gives the invasion of brown seaweed—which is already threatening to ruin the state's lucrative summer tourism season—a perilous new dimension. Coatings of decomposing goop emit a strong odour resembling that of rotting eggs. Even more concerning, according to the experts, is how ocean pollution contributes to the growth of the bacteria, which, if ingested, can lead to illness and even death. As a result of the plastic debris's interaction with the bacteria and algae in the samples studied from the Atlantic's Caribbean and Sargasso Sea, a "perfect pathogen storm [with] implications for both marine life and public health" was created. “Our lab work showed that these Vibrio are extremely aggressive and can seek out and stick to plastic within minutes,” Tracy Mincer, assistant professor of biology at FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Harriet L Wilkes Honors College told the Guardian. Also read | Breast cancer drug slashes risk of recurrence by 25 pc, a game-changer in fight against the disease Disturbing discovery He said that the seaweed belt, which stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the coast of Africa, served as the ideal breeding habitat for "omnivorous" strains of bacteria that prey on both plant and animal life, as well as accompanying "microbial flora" that may include diseases with high pathogenic potential. “We really want to make the public aware of these associated risks. In particular, caution should be exercised regarding the harvest and processing of sargassum biomass until the risks are explored more thoroughly,” he said. Many people are concerned about this, including municipal workers tasked with cleaning up washed-up seaweed off Florida's beaches to make them more appealing to visitors, as well as groups of volunteers who care about the environment and fill garbage bags with the debris that has washed ashore. “It’s very alarming in the first place to see it on the beaches, and alarming to see all the plastic that is entangled in it. And now even more than that, there’s harmful bacteria too. That’s so scary,” Sophie Ringel, founder of the non-profit Clean Miami Beach told the Guardian. In order to minimise direct contact with the items they remove, recruits will be using protective measures including thick gloves, sanitisers, and long-handled grabbers for the group's beach cleaning on Saturday to commemorate World Ocean Day. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Heaps of seaweed full of flesh-eating bacteria hit Florida beaches

According to Bhutan's Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji, the kingdom is close to finding a solution to its border dispute with its neighbour China. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibbal outside of the 6th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Dorji confirmed that the border is peaceful and serene and refuted China's claims to be invading its land. He also hoped that the border would be marked as quickly as possible to prevent any potential future disputes.

6th Indian Ocean Conference: Bhutan's Foreign Minister thanks Indian govt for support during Covid

Bangladesh's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam speaks to WION on ties with India, G20, and more.

Bangladesh's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam on ties with India, Pakistan

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