Archive for March, 2009

New Omnibus Land Act Contains Key Provisions Related to National Ocean Service Programs

Posted by nos.info@noaa.gov on 31 March, 2009
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The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 30 contains several provisions related to ocean and coastal research, monitoring, and conservation--central responsibilities of NOS. We have a rundown of the highlights....

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Can the ocean freeze?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 30 March, 2009
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Ocean water freezes just like freshwater, but at lower temperatures.  More

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What is a tsunami?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 30 March, 2009
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Tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea.  More

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What is marine debris? (updated)

Posted by Ocean Facts on 30 March, 2009
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Marine debris injures and kills marine life, interferes with navigation safety, and poses a threat to human health.  More

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What is a current?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 30 March, 2009
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Oceanic currents are driven by three main factors: tides, wind, and temperature changes.    More

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Scientists Explore Waters in the U.S. Caribbean

Posted by nos.info@noaa.gov on 26 March, 2009
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From March 23 through April 3, NOS scientists will embark on a scientific mission to study the coral reefs and fish habitats off the coast of Vieques, Puerto Rico....

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Can marine debris degrade on its own in the environment?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 25 March, 2009
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Most debris items take a long time to degrade in the marine environment. Human-made products are not completely biodegradable. These products will take a long time, possibly hundreds of years, to degrade.    More

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What does peanut butter have to do with the ocean?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 18 March, 2009
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The ingredient that makes it easier to spread peanut butter comes from the ocean. When it comes to eating, the ocean provides much more than just seafood. Many of the foods and products found in your local grocery store contain ingredients from the ocean.    More

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WaterLife: Where Rivers Meet the Sea

Posted by nos.info@noaa.gov on 18 March, 2009
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Want to learn about estuaries and the threats that endanger them AND have some fun? Check out NOS’s new educational online game: "WaterLife: Where Rivers Meet the Sea."...

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In what types of water do corals live?

Posted by Ocean Facts on 16 March, 2009
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Because of strict environmental restrictions, coral reefs generally are confined to tropical and semi-tropical waters. Reef-building corals cannot tolerate water temperatures below 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius).    More

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