Ocean BioGeosciences (OBG)

• New research led by NOC has shown how the massive Hunga volcano eruption in 2022 triggered the fastest underwater flows ever recorded.

Volcanic eruptions are one of the major natural hazards on our planet. Not only do they pose risks to people and property in surrounding communities, but they can damage critical infrastructure including the subsea telecommunications cables that support 99% of our digital communications globally.

The visible effects of plastic entering the ocean are unfortunately all too clear to us. But what happens to it under the surface? And what is the impact on delicate ocean ecosystems?

• A study led by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has revealed a biogeographical boundary at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
• High biodiversity is maintained in deeper areas of the abyssal north Pacific seabed by phylum-level species shifts across this region.

• A new study led by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has revealed a change in the colour of the ocean over the last 20 years.
• Scientists believe this colour difference is due to the impact of climate change on plankton ecosystems.

• This World Ocean Day bestselling author Lucy Hawking announces collaboration with National Oceanography Centre (NOC).
• The book brings to life the science research from world leading NOC scientists Dr Chelsey Baker, Dr Sara Fowell, Prof. Steph Henson, Dr Alice Marzocchi and Dr Katsia Pabortsava.

• A new study co-authored by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has standardised collection of vital seafloor data.
• Reliable and robust seafloor data is essential to inform policy makers and protect the ocean.

• Four-year project will investigate whether storing CO₂ in the ocean is environmentally safe, socially acceptable and economically viable
• Oceans offer huge potential to act as enhanced sinks for atmospheric CO₂ and support global climate targets

• Up to nearly 1,900 microplastics per cubic metre (particles m⁻³)* of water have been found in samples collected by teams during the initial legs of The Ocean Race
• Samples were analysed at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) under the supervision of Dr Katsiaryna Pabortsava

• Offshore oil well drilling impacting deep-sea habitats are photographed in real-time.
• Impacted sponges have been photographed potentially partially recovering from sedimentation over 40 days.
• Partnering with industry allows us to make real-time observations to better understand impacts.