Tag: NOAA

Offering real time data for oil spill response, search and rescue A network of high-frequency radar systems designed for mapping ocean surface currents now provides detail of coastal ocean dynamics along the U.S. West Coast never before available.The network has grown over the last decade from a few radars to what is now considered the largest network of its kind in the world consisting of 78 sites in operation as of May 1.In a recent paper in the American Geophysical Union publication Journal of Geophysical Research -- Oceans highlighted in the AGU publication Eos, an integrated analysis led by Sung Yong Kim, a postdoctoral researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, reports several scientific aspects of coastal surface circulation derived from the West Coast high-frequency radar network, operated by a team of oceanographers.The researchers performed a multi-year synthesis of surface current observations, provided through a centralized data center designed and operated by Scripps in support of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, led by NOAA. Scientists have known for years that ocean currents at the ocean's surface are governed by a complex combination of factors including coastal tides, winds, Earth's rotation, synoptic ocean signals, and interactions of these ...

The Maritime Maya have been described like ancient seagoing Phoenicians. Sponsored explorers are searching a wild, largely unexplored and forgotten coastline for evidence and artifacts of one of the greatest seafaring traditions of the ancient New World, where Maya traders once paddled massive dugout canoes filled with trade goods from across Mexico and Central America.One exploration goal is to discover the remains of a Maya trading canoe, described in A.D. 1502 by Christopher Columbus son Ferdinand, as holding 25 paddlers plus cargo and passengers.Through the end of May, the team is exploring the remote jungle, mangrove forests and lagoons at the ancient port site of Vista Alegre (happy view in Spanish) where the Caribbean meets the Gulf of Mexico at the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.Scientists believe the port was part of an important trading network and was used at various times between about 800 B.C. and A.D. 1521, the date scholars use to designate the start of Spanish rule.The maritime Maya have been described much like ancient seagoing Phoenicians. They traded extensively in a wide variety of goods, such as bulk cotton and salt, and likely incense from tree sap called copal, jade, obsidian, cacao, Quetzal and other ...

27 April 2011 NOAA Fisheries Service announces that a voluntary vessel speed restriction zone (Dynamic Management Area - DMA) has been established in the vicinity of Nantucket Sound to protect an aggregation of right whales sighted in this area on April 25, 2011. This DMA is in effect immediately through May 10, 2011.Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.Nantucket Sound DMA (3 right whales sighted) -- active through May 10, 201141 50N41 20N070 29W069 49WSource: NOAA

Six goals for NOAA in the Arctic region The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its Arctic Vision & Strategy.To view the report please click hereSource: NOAA

Gulf Spill Restoration Planning The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a notice stating that it will host scoping meetings to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to commence restoration planning for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.To view the Notice please click hereSource: NOAA

Intent to begin restoration The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a notice of intent to begin restoration scoping and preparation of a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) regarding the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.To view the notice please click hereSource: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration