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Different processes in nearby coastal oceans drive the ecosystems found in the Mediterranean climate zones. Atmospheric processes over the oceans influence seasonal rainfall patterns, while currents and ocean temperatures affect both local and regional climate conditions. Part of the "Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystems" series.
(Source: DCMP)
Kelp forests can be seen along much of the West Coast of North America. NOAA scientists study kelp forests by visiting the same locations over and over to assess the presence and abundance of a variety of organisms. Monitoring allows marine scientists to determine if the kelp forest is changing over time and to identify the cause of those changes, whether natural or human. Healthy kelp forests maintain the existence of thousands of plants, animals, and fish stocks. All of these require a thriving ocean ecosystem.
Societal change and growth is impacting the ocean ecosystem. One of these consequences is the rapid decline and death of coral reefs. Part of the "Coral Comeback" series.
Symone Johnson, educator at National Aquarium, provides an overview of the series "Coral Comeback." She outlines coral reefs and discusses their importance to healthy ocean ecosystems. Part of the "Coral Comeback" series.
There are three manatee species worldwide: West Indian, West African, and Amazonian. These large creatures average 10 feet long and 1,200 pounds; however, they are incredibly graceful aquatic animals. They also play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, but they face two major threats: loss of habitat and collisions with boats and ships. Part of the "Endangered Ocean" series.
Ecosystems and biomes exist around the globe in various regions. Students will explore the plant and animal life found in tropical rainforests, deserts, and oceans. Part of the Real World Science series.
Goes in search of sustainable solutions. In the Canary Islands, fishermen use rod and line for a valuable species and only take fully mature fish. In Oman, the authorities will only allow fishermen to use one kind of boat and net, and they strictly monitor the catches. Leading decision-makers describe how drastic action must be taken to protect wild stocks and ecosystems, but almost nowhere are measures being taken that help alleviate the crisis. Part one of this series explores the state of global fisheries.
Sea star wasting syndrome is the largest marine disease event ever seen. Microbiologist Ian Hewson shares what inspires him to study oceanic ecosystems, and how scientists from Cornell University are solving this ecological mystery.
Coral reefs are some of the most precious habitats in the ocean, which has earned them the nickname "rainforests of the sea." They're a complicated ecosystem where thousands of species are supported by some of the smallest life-forms. Part of the "Coral Comeback" series.
Currents in the Pacific Ocean have brought derelict fishing nets and gear to the waters around the Hawaiian islands. These nets are a safety hazard to ships and cause extensive damage to the ecosystem by snagging on coral reefs, entangling wildlife, and polluting shorelines. Instead of adding these nets to already congested landfills, Hawaii’s multi-partner marine debris group came up with a unique program to downcycle this marine debris into usable electricity.
Rising acidity in sea water is harmful to all ocean life. This short animated video explains how burning fossil fuels is increasing the acidity of the world's oceans. This is also impacting the fragile underwater ecosystems.
In 1977, scientists discovered a diverse community of organisms inhabiting the deep-sea hydrothermal vents of the Pacific Ocean. The sources of energy in these ecosystems are hydrogen sulfide and other inorganic chemicals that are abundant in the water that rises from the vents. Scientists discovered that some animals living near hydrothermal vents, such as the giant tube worm, have a symbiotic relationship with species of bacteria, which allows these animals to survive deep in the ocean. Part of the "I Contain Multitudes" series.
The unique hard bottom reefs off the coast of the Carolinas are home to a dynamic and delicately balanced ecosystem. A population of invasive lionfish has moved into the area. Their presence is disrupting this ecosystem and threatening the commercial fish industry.
Molecular biologist Scott Santos and his team at Auburn University are studying an unusual and endangered ecosystem in Hawaii called Anchialine pools. A threatened ecosystem, Anchialine pools are inland lava depressions found near the ocean that feed off fresh water aquifers. Little is known about the creatures and plants that live in these brackish waters, but a number of the lava pools are being destroyed by invasive species and development. With support from the National Science Foundation, Santos and his team captured video and photographs of this unique habitat during a two month field study. He hopes his research will help save the pools before they totally disappear. One of the most famous creatures in the Anchialine pools is a legendary tiny red shrimp.
The estuary is part of the Plum Island Ecosystems LTER (Long Term Ecological Research). The LTER Network was created by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1980 to conduct research on ecological issues that can last decades and span huge geographical areas. Biogeochemist Anne Giblin, of the Marine Biological Laboratory, is leading a team of researchers who are studying the Plum Island salt marshes to determine how this 2,000-year-old ecosystem is holding up under climate change, land use changes, and sea-level rise. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
Sand particles from the Sahara desert have long been known to travel across the Atlantic Ocean and southward to the Amazon rain forest. These accumulations are known as dust carpets, and they form as water molecules adhere to the sand particles. As water and sand adheres to one another, they form droplets that accumulate into clouds. However, the Mongolian desert dust carpets present problems for ecosystems upon which it falls. This program explores the science behind the storms and their impact on global climate.
Corals are important ecosystem engineers, providing habitat and nutrient recycling to tropical reefs. However, coral species’ richness and abundance are in decline worldwide, due in large part to the impacts from global industrialization and human population growth. Coral disease is a major contributor to this decline of tropical reefs, and therefore, investigations into the causes of and remedies to these diseases are of critical importance. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
Welcome to Barrow, Alaska, where a team of marine ecologists gears up to hit the sea ice that is actually teaming with marine life. With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Craig Aumack of Columbia University and a team have come here to investigate how algae in the sea ice contributes to the underlying marine ecosystems, and which marine organisms depend on the algae for nutrition. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
The deep ocean is filled with with strange life-forms. But what’s down there? Ninety-five percent of the ocean remains unexplored, most of which is considered the deep ocean. Exploring the deep ocean is challenging because of the harsh conditions, but marine scientists are on a mission to document new species in this unusual place.
More than four billion years ago, the most important event in Earth's history took place: the ocean was born. It completely transformed the planet, creating a watery oasis that gave rise to the air that organisms consume, the climate, and a stunning array of life. The ocean is what transformed Earth into the livable, blue planet it is today. This episode tells the story of the ocean's turbulent beginnings and its successive incarnations. Part of the "One Ocean" series.
Showing collections 1 to 3 of 3
Resources to teach younger students about animals
A collection containing 58 resources, curated by DIAGRAM Center
Biology related concepts
A collection containing 59 resources, curated by Benetech
A collection of Chemistry related resources
A collection containing 67 resources, curated by Benetech
