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Oceans in the Lab
It is designed to replicate and study interactions between the ocean and atmosphere under highly controlled, realistic environmental conditions. At 120 feet long and holding 36,000 gallons of water, the Scripps Ocean-Atmosphere Research Simulator (SOARS) is a unique facility at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. SOARS is much more than a wave generator. It simulates the…
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Fighting Climate Change Along the U.S.-Mexico Border
San Diego shares nearly 60 miles of border with its neighbors to the south, stretching from the Pacific Ocean in Imperial Beach to the eastern part of the county near the Otay Mountain Wilderness. While many news stories have highlighted the raw sewage issue affecting the Tijuana River Valley, where runoff pollutes the waters and…
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Rain from a River in the Sky
Have you ever heard your local weather forecaster mention terms like “pineapple express” or “atmospheric river”? These intriguing phenomena might sound whimsical, but they play a crucial role in our weather patterns. So, what exactly are they, and is global warming to blame? What is an Atmospheric River? An atmospheric river is like a giant,…
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California Against the Sea: Communicating Sea Level Rise
Join Los Angeles Times environment reporter Rosanna Xia and Scripps Institution of Oceanography coastal resilience specialist Laura Engeman as they discuss the science and impacts of sea-level rise in California. Xia, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, reads from her book “California Against the Sea,” which recently won the Golden Poppy Award for nonfiction. Engeman explains how…
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Art and Science: Understanding the Effects of Climate Change on Kelp Forests
Southern California’s giant kelp forests, composed of rapidly growing large brown algae, are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet. These underwater forests support a diverse array of life, forming a vibrant community that thrives within them. Kelp forests anchor themselves atop rocky reefs, a place where few other plants can establish, thanks to…
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The Secret of the Red Tide
Why does the stunning bioluminescence in the ocean, often described as ‘sea sparkle’ or ‘milky seas’ and known for its beautiful blue-green glow at night, appear so different during the day? Commonly referred to as red tide, the ocean water appears murky, often with a brown or red tone. In some parts of the Pacific…
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Facing the Challenges of the Climate Crisis
In the face of the ongoing climate crisis, humanity finds itself at a crucial crossroads. Our planet is experiencing severe changes in weather patterns, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation. It is essential for us to navigate this crisis and take decisive actions to safeguard our future. In her compelling presentation, Antioch University Environmental Studies Professor…
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Behind the Scenes of a Unique Ocean Research Simulator
As our climate continues to change, researchers need to understand the complicated chemical, biological, and physical processes that occur at the boundary between the ocean and the atmosphere. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography has a unique tool that allows scientists to simulate varying ocean environments by controlling winds, waves, water chemistry, temperature, light and more.…
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Coral Reefs Adapting to the Warming Waters of Climate Change
Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, yet are estimated to support 25% of marine biodiversity. For the millions of people living adjacent to coral reefs, this productive ecosystem provides important shoreline protection and critical food. Global climatic changes are altering the structure and functioning of many reef ecosystems. Scripps Institution of…
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Scientists and City Planners Work Together to Combat Climate Change
With the increasingly growing threat of climate change, coastal regions are more susceptible to a host of risks to the natural environment and our quality of life as a result. Our beaches and coastal bluffs are being eroded by ocean storms and sea level rise, ongoing drought leaves us vulnerable to wildfires and habitat and…