Climate change: Related Content

  • Greenland Shark: One Species at a Time

    Scientists know the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) moves slowly in the Arctic's cold water. They also know that parasites attack the shark's eyes. But much about this animal remains a mystery. Marine biologist Greg Skomal says that's because the Greenland shark spends most of the year living under 6 feet of Arctic ice. Skomal works for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.

  • A large group of dancers from the island of Tokelau dance during fiafia, evening entertainment)

    Water is Rising: Pacific Islands, Art, and Climate Change

    "This World of Ours, Does not feel steady, We keep rotating, Oi! What will happen to us?"

  • Webcast: 'We Sea Change,' a Climate Change Education Video

    What is climate change, and how is it affecting coastal Carolina? That is the question that a group of teens from Isaac Bear Early College High School set out to answer for their Third National Student Summit on the Ocean & Coasts project.

  • An algal bloom, also known as a red tide, has converted the ocean's surf to a red color

    Red Tide

    Algae, like all organisms, normally grow in natural balance with their ecosystems. But sometimes, certain species of algae reproduce so rapidly that they cause damage. In the ocean, microscopic forms of algae, known as dinoflagellates, can "bloom" into dense patches near the surface, often referred to as "red tides." Some of these harmful algal blooms (HABs) are dangerous, producing toxins that can kill marine organisms, taint shellfish, cause skin irritations, and even foul the air.

  • Climate Change at the Poles

    At the ends of the Earth, life thrives despite extreme conditions. In the Arctic and Southern Oceans, organisms have evolved adaptations to cope with year-round cold and six months of darkness. But the tough critters living in these harsh climates belie the delicate balance that holds the ecosystem together—a balance that human activities are disrupting in alarming ways.

  • A graph of arctic ice coverage from 2011, showing data through September 7, 2011.

    Arctic Sea Ice Extent Graph

    This graph of the Arctic sea ice coverage shows how close the year 2011 is to reaching a record-low. The graph contains data through September 7, 2011. The National Snow and Ice Data Center, which produced the graph, says we should know within a couple weeks if the ice extent drops below the previous record which was set in 2007.

  • Arctic Sea Ice: A New Low?

    At a recent staff meeting a Smithsonian colleague mentioned that one of his pastimes this summer has been keeping tabs on the Arctic sea ice. The question that's on many Arctic-watchers' minds is whether or not the 2011 sea ice coverage will reach a new record low.

  • Alaska Vulnerable to Invasive Species from Warmer Waters

    Alaska’s pristine coastline is ripe for an influx of invasive marine species such as the European green crab and the rough periwinkle (an Atlantic sea snail), warns a new study by a team of scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

  • Submersible Collects Deep-Sea Corals

    Come along as scientist Dr. Brendan Roark narrates a submersible dive to collect and study deep-sea corals. Roark studies deep-sea corals to understand the history of the ocean and past ocean climates.

  • Coral Scientist Brendan Roark: On an Urgent Mission

    Deep-sea coral beds are true biodiversity hotspots. It’s urgent that we study these extreme environments because we know so little about them, because they are important communities for so many deep-sea creatures, and because they are so susceptible to human activities.

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