PMEL in the News
‘The Blob’ returns: marine heatwave settles over Pacific
Rsing ocean temperatures are rising in the northeast Pacific, similar to conditions presented in 2015. It is safe to say the marine heatwave known as the “Blob” has returned. This time the Blob’s 2019 return is the second largest to occur in the Pacific in at least 40 years. It encompasses 4 million square miles from Alaska to Canada and as far away as Hawaii, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Nick Bond is quoted.
A Supercharged Marine Heat Wave Is Roasting the Pacific
Ocean temperatures have skyrocketed in the northeast Pacific, ushering in conditions reminiscent of 2015. In other words, the Blob is back, and it could spell trouble for wildlife and fisheries from Alaska to California, according to data scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released on Thursday. Nick Bond is referenced.
Drought conditions persist as summer winds down
The mostly sunny, 70-degree weather brought many to Skagit County beaches, lakes and riversides to savor the outdoors during the three-day Labor Day weekend. But as summer winds down, drought conditions persist. Nick Bond is featured.
First Autonomous Circumnavigation of Antarctica
The Southern Ocean around Antarctica is a dangerous and foreboding place. Wind speeds can exceed 80 miles per hour and waves as high as a 5-story building are common, along with frequent icebergs. Adrienne Sutton is quoted.
Melting ice probably isn’t causing extreme winter weather, but there is a connection
Climate change skeptics often point to recent, record-breaking winters as evidence against global warming. But in reality, greenhouse gases may be just as responsible for extreme winters as they are for heat waves. For decades, experts have observed that melting ice in the Arctic (caused by climate change) coincides with unusually bitter winters at lower latitudes. Jim Overland is quoted.