Press Releases
Appreciation from the United Nations: IOW's Baltic Sea long-term observation is officially part of the UN Oceans Decade
The IOW has been collecting physical, chemical and biological Baltic Sea data for many decades. As of this year, the centrepiece of the IOW's long-term observation programme – the annual monitoring ship expeditions – has been officially recognised as a project of the United Nations (UN) “Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021 – 2030”.
How sulphur affects the carbon cycle of subtropical seagrass meadows: New findings from Florida Bay
Seagrass meadows have an important climate protection function due to their long-term carbon storage potential. An international research team led by the IOW has now been able to show that seagrass beds have a stronger influence on the carbon and sulphur cycling in subtropical coastal areas than previously thought. Of particular interest is the important role of sulphur, which stabilises organic carbon, regardless of whether it is sequestered in the calcareous sediments of subtropical seagrass meadows or remains in dissolved form.
A look back on 50,000 years of South Pacific hydroclimate shows:
How wet it gets on earth also depends on the planet’s tilt
Understanding the causes of changing humidity and precipitation in the earth's past is crucial for better assessments of the planet’s future hydroclimate changes through improved modelling. A research team led by the IOW has now for the first time analysed 50,000 years of mid-latitude hydroclimate of the South-East Pacific using special moisture related indicators in marine sediment cores. The most important result is that natural variations in the earth's orbital parameters exert a decisive influence.
Marine heatwaves in the Baltic Sea: IOW researchers investigate causes and effects
Marine heatwaves – periods in which the upper water layers in the sea temporarily become exceptionally warm – are occurring with increasing frequency worldwide. Recent studies by the IOW have now confirmed this trend also for the Baltic Sea.
» Read more … Marine heatwaves in the Baltic Sea: IOW researchers investigate causes and effects
Effects of bottom trawling: IOW leads large Baltic Sea field experiment with four research vessels
On July 16, 2024, a 19-day research cruise will start in the Baltic Sea led by the IOW to investigate the impact of bottom trawling on the seabed and the organisms living there. In addition to the IOW research vessel ELISABETH MANN BORGESE, three more research vessels from other institutions are involved in the large-scale bottom trawling simulation experiment near Warnemünde.
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Dr. Kristin Beck
Tel.: 0381 5197 135
Dr. Sonja Ehlers
Tel.: 0381 5197 109
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