We talk about the Ocean
~ Mediation articles, EN, FR ~
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I am here presenting some short articles in a plain language, to make ocean and environmental science accessible to as many people as possible. They are quick to read, so you can enjoy them when you have few minutes, in the public transport or between two activities.
These articles are also thought to be responding to students' questions !
Every article is independant of others and each of them is answering one question. If no reference, every figure is mine and cannot be used without my explicit permission.
Stay curious, keep learning and enjoy the marine science world !
What are these rings of coral at the bottom of the Mediterranean sea?
What are these rings of coral at the bottom of the Mediterranean sea?
In 2011, scientist discovered mysterious rings off cape Corsica. After three expeditions in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the first clues to solving this enigma are emerging.
Keywords: Coral reef, rings, last glacial maximum, climate change, Mediterranean ecosystem
What is Posidonia oceanica and why is it so important to preserve it?
What is Posidonia oceanica and why is it so important to preserve it?
Posidonia oceanica is an important aquatic flowering plant (not an algae) having a very important role in the Mediterranean ecosystem.
Keywords: Posidonia oceanica, flowering plan, aquatic plant, climate change, Mediterranean ecosystem
Why do orcas experience menopause?
Why do orcas experience menopause?
Only 7 mammals species experience menopause, belonging to cetaceans and primates. Orcas are one of them, and recent findings are giving answers to this evolutive mystery.
Keywords: Female, postreproductive, society, generations, menopause
What are the different methods to give an age to a geological stage?
What are the different methods to give an age to a geological stage?
Biochronology, radiochronology, magnetostratigraphy and tephrochronology
Keywords: Stratigraphy, Geological units, Ages
How to read a chronostratigraphic chart?
How to read a chronostratigraphic chart?
From bottom right to upper left
Keywords: chronostratigraphy, Geological units, Ages, Stratotype
How does the thermohaline circulation work?
How does the thermohaline circulation work?
It is all about water density
Keywords: temperature, salinity, density, currents, water masses
How do work the oxygen isotopes reconstructions of past temperature, ice volume and environment?
How do work the oxygen isotopes reconstructions of past temperature, ice volume and environment?
The answer is in the ratio between the different isotopes of oxygen through time
Keywords: stable isotopes, evaporation, precipitation, ratio
What are the Milankovitch orbital parameters and how do they influence the climate on Earth?
What are the Milankovitch orbital parameters and how do they influence the climate on Earth?
The answer is in the quantity of energy that reaches the Earth's floor
Keywords: solar energy, light, Earth orbit, long term climate
Why do we observe ocean acidification with the increase of atmospheric CO2 concentration?
Why do we observe ocean acidification with the increase of atmospheric CO2 concentration?
The answer is in surface ocean chemistry
Keywords: acidification, pH, dissolution, marine carbon cycle, climate change
Why isn't the ocean getting saltier and saltier with evaporation?
The answer is that it is getting saltier but it is compensated by other mechanisms.
Keywords: salinity, evaporation, precipitation, runoff, ice sheet melting
How do we collect plankton samples?
How do we collect plankton samples?
The answer is with drilling, traps and nets.
Keywords: plankton, technology, sediment traps, plankton nets, sediment cores
How does plankton regulate the climate?
How does plankton regulate the climate?
The answer is photosynthesis, calcification and marine carbon cycle.
Keywords: plankton, pelagic calcifiers, phytoplankton, photosynthesis, marine carbon cycle, ocean chemistry
How is there oxygen on Earth thanks to plankton?
How is there oxygen on Earth thanks to plankton?
The answer is photosynthesis.
Keywords: phytoplankton, oxygen, photosynthesis
How do we know how the ocean looked like back in time?
How do we know how the ocean looked like back in time?
The answer is in rocks and mud.
Keywords: sediment core, plankton, time record, environmental and climate conditions
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