Rip Currents Could Play Role in Increased Coastal Erosion

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Amid growing concern about rising sea levels triggered by global warming, Oregon Sea Grant researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) are discovering that rip currents might play a role in coastal erosion because they create rip embayments, or low areas on sandy beaches, that expose nearby land to higher rates of erosion by wave activity.

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Ocean acidification background from leading scientist

Some scientists consider it perhaps the most troubling effect of climate change on the ocean: increasing acidity caused by absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). The potential implications, especially for the myriad of species that live in the ocean, could be dire, if current trends continue. But it’s a concern that only recently has begun to reach public attention, and many people may be uninformed or uncertain about the background science.

To help, three short video interview segments with a leading scientific authority, produced by Oregon Sea Grant. The interview is with Dr. Richard Feely, a senior scientist with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Pacific Marine Environmental Lab in Seattle. Feely was the chief scientist on the North American Carbon Program West Coast Cruise in 2007, which established important baseline science. Feely is also active internationally as a member of the European Ocean Acidification International Scientific Advisory Panel.

In the clips, Feely addresses three essential questions about ocean acidification: what’s causing it; how it’s affecting ocean animals, and how it may affect ocean ecosystems. The succinct clips run from 1-3 minutes; Joe Cone was the interviewer and videographer; Steve Roberts edited.

Video clips

“Science” journal article by Feely and others

Communicating Climate Change: New Interviews

Communicating successfully about climate change involves both science and art, and our series of podcasts explores both, although the emphasis is on the insights of social scientists. Two new interviews reflect a continuing broadening of discussion to large-scale social and institutional frameworks that affect successful adaptation to climate change.

The interviewees are Elinor Ostrom, Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis, Indiana University, and Jesse Ribot, Social Dimensions of Environmental Policy, University of Illinois.
Hear them and previous interviewees at our podcast: Communicating Climate Change

Communications for Ocean Scientists Workshop at OSU Feb. 27

Are you interested in communicating more effectively with the public about your work in ocean sciences?

Are you looking for ideas and partners for producing successful broader impact and outreach activities?

Join COSEE-Pacific Partnerships for a half day workshop for ocean scientists designed to introduce participants to effective strategies and best practices for communicating with public audiences. The workshop will also provide opportunities to develop partnerships for a variety of education and outreach activities.

  • When: February 27, 2009, 9 am to 1 pm
  • Where: Oregon State University, Weniger Hall, Room 247
  • Please RSVP no later than February 25, 2009 to Coral Gehrke, COSEE-Pacific Partnerships Coordinator, at cgehrke@uoregon.edu or (541) 888-2581 ext 236.

For additional information visit: www.coseepacificpartnerships.org

Download a .pdf flyer of this announcement.