Conditions checked through the Neuse River Estuary Modeling and Monitoring, or ModMon, Project show low river flow and saltier-than-normal water.
science
Chowan group to host program on air quality research
The event is set for 5:15 p.m. Monday at the Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library in Edenton.
Study is first to sample NC rivers, streams for microplastics
North Carolina researchers have estimated the amount of plastic pollution the size of grains of sand that are entering the Pamlico Sound from the Neuse River Basin. It’s a lot.
Ongoing study may show overlooked algal bloom causes
A year into a 30-month public science study, preliminary data appears to show that higher than expected nutrient loads in minor tributaries may contribute to increasingly regular and persistent blue-green algal blooms in northeastern North Carolina rivers.
Mariko Polk celebrates doctorate, new career with Sea Grant
The coastal processes specialist with North Carolina Sea Grant recently completed her studies and stepped into the job long held by Spencer Rogers, who retired last year.
Pilot program relies on volunteers to collect wetlands data
A volunteer-dependent program to monitor wetlands that is going into its second year may be the answer to gaps in wetland data across the state.
Microfossils major part of museum’s public science project
Coordinators of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences’ Cretaceous Creatures public science project aim to reach eighth grade classrooms in all 100 counties this coming school year.
Analysis finds wreck on Currituck Beach may be Metropolis
East Carolina University researcher Matthew Pawelski used computer modeling and imaging to make precise comparisons of wreckage and known details of a lost former Civil War naval vessel refitted commercial use.
Coastal Enhanced Weathering: A promising climate solution
UNCW professor Larry Cahoon writes that a nature-based climate restoration solution that his lab is collaborating on may eventually be able to capture a billion tons or more of carbon dioxide each year while reducing ocean acidity and helping to protect coastlines.
Buying out threatened oceanfront homes is not a crazy idea
Dr. Rob Young, director of the Western Carolina University/Duke University Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines, compares the costs of a possible buyout of 80 highly exposed properties in Rodanthe to the costs of beach nourishment, which could be triple that amount over 15 years.
States greatly underestimate extreme heat hazards: Study
A recent Duke University analysis finds that state emergency management departments are underestimating the growing threat of excessive heat as the climate changes.
Flooding study reveals factors NOAA forecasts don’t include
Researchers with the Sunny Day Flooding Project used Beaufort’s Front Street as a case study to test a new, real-time sensor framework for detecting and measuring coastal flooding.
Research on migratory shorebirds a ‘massive effort’
Brian O’Shea, ornithology collection manager for N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, said the research network on long-distance migratory shorebirds, many of which we see on the N.C. coast, encompasses the entire Western Hemisphere.
‘Cutting edge of coastal science’: Institute marks 10th year
The Coastal Studies Institute chose Saturday, Earth Day, to celebrate a decade on the East Carolina University Outer Banks Campus with an open house.
Women mark STEM milestone at Corps research facility
Women comprise half the science and engineering staff at the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory at the Army Corps of Engineers’ Field Research Facility, or Duck Pier, which now features a lactation room.
Museum’s ‘Ask a Naturalist’ takes nature-based questions
The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences program connects anyone anywhere who has a question about nature with specialists who have the answers.