Coast Day 2021: Ocean Research
Studying the ocean goes to the heart of UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, which began as a marine biology program in the University of Delaware’s biology department in the 1950s. From those early beginnings in borrowed space in Lewes, Delaware, it grew into a graduate College of Marine Studies, and then the comprehensive college it is today, but ocean research remains at its core. As with every Coast Day, this year you can learn about some of the cutting-edge science being done here and around the world by UD faculty.
Autonomous Surface Vehicles
Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) are hi-tech boats that operate on the surface of the water without a crew. In this episode of #SeaTalk, learn more about these types of drones, as well as efforts underway by the University of Delaware to try to better unlock their capabilities and discover how and in what areas they work best.
Ocean Salinity
You probably already know that the ocean is salty. What you might not know, however, is that the salinity of ocean water can actually help researchers infer information about climate change and variability. Learn more in this month's episode of #SeaTalk!
How Big was the Megalodon?
Just how big was the prehistoric megalodon? Chris Petrone gives some handy equivalents in this episode of 15 Second Science to help you wrap your head around just how gigantic this creature was.
Megalodon Extinction
Shark Week brings with it the tales of megalodon sightings and divers who have spent their lives searching for this prehistoric shark - but we promise it's extinct! Chris Petrone lays out the evidence for how scientists can be so sure that a lone megalodon isn't hiding in the ocean's depths.
15 Second Science: Sharks
Sharks are fascinating animals. Learn more about these interesting (and terrifying!) fish, including local Delaware sharks, by checking out our 15 Second Science playlist.
Sea Talk: Sharks
Interested in even more shark content? Check out our Sea Talk playlist on sharks, including a focus on dogfish and sand tiger sharks, species found in Delaware waters!
Apex Predators in the Delaware Bay
Drs. Aaron Carlisle and Edward Hale are studying the ecology of the Sandbar and Sand Tiger Shark to understand the ecological role they play in the Delaware Bay ecosystem. Learn more on our official research project page
Project VIDEO
Check out our collection of 15 Second Science videos about the deep biosphere and sub-seafloor life, in partnership with the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations (C-DEBI).
Sunday, October 3
Welcome (10am)With Delaware Sea Grant Director Joanna York and other dignitaries.
Shark Stories, True and Fantastic
With UD alumnus Steve Alten, author of The Meg, and Aaron Carlisle (Assistant Professor, College of Earth, Ocean and Environment)
The Unknown Deep (11 am)
With Suni Shah Walter (Assistant Professor, College of Earth, Ocean and Environment)
Exploring the Underwater World with Robots (12:30 pm)
With Art Trembanis (Professor, College of Earth, Ocean and Environment)