Staring into the vortex
MIT researchers describe factors governing how oceans and atmospheres move heat around on Earth and other planetary bodies.
Scientists quantify how wave power drives coastal erosion
The average power of waves hitting a coastline can predict how fast that coast will erode.
Seeding oceans with iron may not impact climate change
Study finds Earth’s oceans contain just the right amount of iron; adding more may not improve their ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
The race to develop renewable energy technologies
Mechanical engineers rush to develop energy conversion and storage technologies from renewable sources such as wind, wave, solar, and thermal.
Intelligent Towing Tank propels human-robot-computer research
A novel experimental facility integrates automation and active learning, illuminating a path to accelerated scientific discovery.
Understanding the impact of deep-sea mining
Mining materials from the sea floor could help secure a low-carbon future, but researchers are racing to understand the environmental effects.
Autonomous system improves environmental sampling at sea
Robotic boats could more rapidly locate the most valuable sampling spots in uncharted waters.
MIT alumna addresses the world’s mounting plastic waste problem
Renewlogy’s system is converting plastic waste from cities and rivers into fuel.
A battery-free sensor for underwater exploration
Submerged system uses the vibration of “piezoelectric” materials to generate power and send and receive data.
Tuna are spawning in marine protected areas
Despite being highly migratory, tuna may benefit from ocean sanctuaries, study finds.
Projects advance naval ship design and capabilities
At the annual MIT Ship Design and Technology Symposium, naval construction and engineering students presented their work on real-life naval design projects.
Solving equations to design safer ships
David Larson, a doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering and an avid sailor, models ship-wave interactions to understand how ships behave in severe storms.
Tropical Pacific is major player in global ocean heat transport
Region dominates the transfer of heat from the equator to the poles in both hemispheres, challenging the "great conveyor belt" model.
North Atlantic Ocean productivity has dropped 10 percent during Industrial era
Phytoplankton decline coincides with warming temperatures over the last 150 years.
Study demonstrates seagrass’ strong potential for curbing erosion
Ubiquitous marine plants dissipate wave energy and could help protect vulnerable shorelines.