On The Brink of Extinction: Examining How the U.S. Endangered Species Act Works
A white cloud of mist spouts from the ocean’s surface, followed seconds later by the rise and fall of an enormous fluked tail. A…
Back Basics: Exercises to Keep Your Back Scuba-Ready
Low back pain is a very common medical problem, estimated to occur in about two-thirds of adults. Because divers must move around a great…
earth’s ocean: The Geology of the Sea
Note: This article is the last of a four-part series that examines the primary disciplines of oceanography. Geological oceanography is a discipline of ocean…
Physical Oceanography: The Motion of the Ocean
If you dive for very long in South Florida, you soon come to learn that there is no more welcomed friend than the Gulf…
Green Flashes Demystified
Ask a group of people if they’ve ever seen a green flash, and some interesting responses will follow. Some may say a green flash…
Beyond the Soda Bottle: An In-Depth Look at Decompression Illness
Like most divers, I have vivid memories of my basic scuba training. Perhaps the most memorable is the evening my instructor showed up for…
From Ripples to Rogues: How Waves Are Formed
Most people don’t spend much time thinking about ocean waves. Those who go out on the ocean, however, can’t help but think about them….
Marine Habitats, Part III: Life in a Coral Reef Community
Question: Can you name the largest biologically produced structures to ever exist on Earth? Clue: It is not an extinct dinosaur, nor is it…
Sea Breezes: How Winds Affect Diving
The chance of finding Spanish treasure is one of the bonuses of diving in many places along Florida’s coast. In fact, a few people have become wealthy diving for gold, silver and jewels recovered from the sites of wrecked Spanish ships. Anyone who finds even a single 16th-century coin can thank Mother Nature, especially the wind. The extreme winds of hurricanes and the waves they kick up sank most of the ships from three different Spanish fleets along different parts of Florida’s Coast.
The Oceans’ Rhythm – Understanding Tide Changes
The rhythms of the tides dominate life around the edges of the oceans. Understanding and using these rhythms can make a trip to the…