May 18, 2020

Ocean ‘breathability’ key to past, future habitat of West Coast marine species

Marine life off the West Coast, from Mexico up through Canada, inhabit the California Current. The cool, nutrient-rich water supports life from invisible phytoplankton to the economically important salmon, rockfish and Dungeness crab to the majestic orcas. A new study led by the University of Washington finds that the animals’ ability to breathe in that water may be key to where and when they thrive.

Seismologists to host virtual event on 40th anniversary of Mount St. Helens eruption

Mt St Helens two years after eruption (photo: USGS)

The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, based at the University of Washington, will host an online event on the 40th anniversary of the eruption of Mount St. Helens, featuring seismologists from the UW and other institutions who can explain the events before, during and after the historic blast. The virtual event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 18, on the PNSN’s YouTube channel — exactly 40 years after the blast.

The Thomas G. Thompson's triumphant return

The Thomas G. Thompson has spent a quarter century exploring the world’s oceans.

Friday, May 8 marked the triumphant return of the research vessel Thomas G. Thompson, which arrived home to a sunny Seattle after 823 days at sea. University of Washington Oceanography community members waited along the city’s waterways (practicing social distancing) from the Ballard Locks to the UW campus holding welcome home signs. The excitement was palpable, with many documenting the moment via social media for their colleagues who weren’t there in person.

Pacific oysters in the Salish Sea may not contain as many microplastics as previously thought

Julieta Martinelli collects oysters at Kopachuck State Park near Gig Harbor, Washington.

Plastic pollution is an increasingly present threat to marine life and one which can potentially impact your dinner table. Oysters, and other economically valuable shellfish, filter their food from the water where they may also inadvertently capture tiny microplastics. The ingestion and accumulation of these microplastics can have detrimental effects on their health and may be passed to other animals, including humans, through the food chain.

2019-20 UW Environment award winners honored at Spring Celebration

Join the UW College of the Environment to recognize the recipients of the College Awards, have some fun in the sun and celebrate the academic year gone by. All College faculty, staff, students and their guests are welcome.