Ultramarine: the science of our oceans and waterways

David Boldeman speaks with CSIRO marine biogeochemist Dr Elizabeth Shadwick about one of Australia’s most important long-running ocean climate observation programs, the Southern Ocean Time Series south of Tasmania.Anchored in waters around 4500 metres deep, this remote ocean observatory allows scientists to measure how the Southern Ocean absorbs heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and how these processes influence the global climate system.Dr Shadwick explains how carbon dioxide moves from the air into the ocean, how physical circulation and deep water formation can store that carbon away from the atmosphere for decades to centuries, and how the “biological carbon pump” helps move organic carbon into the deep ocean.The episode also explores the remarkable engineering effort required to deploy and maintain deep-water moorings in harsh Southern Ocean conditions, and what more than two decades of observations are revealing about ocean acidification, natural variability, and the challenge of detecting long-term human impacts in deep ocean ecosystems.Further reading:IMOS Southern Ocean Time SeriesVoyage information and photo galleryAustralian Antarctic Program PartnershipUnderwater observatory keeps pulse of the Southern Ocean for nearly 30 yearsFor the latest science news visit https://connectsci.au/news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Boldeman is joined by science journalist Ellen Phiddian to explore a deceptively simple question: how do scientists actually know the oceans are warming?The conversation unpacks the global network of measurements that allow researchers to track heat across the world’s oceans, from early ship-based observations to modern satellite systems and autonomous Argo floats that dive thousands of metres beneath the surface.Along the way, the episode explains why ocean heat content is one of the most important indicators of climate change, how scientists distinguish long-term warming from natural variability, and why the oceans absorb the vast majority of the excess heat in the Earth’s climate system.It is a story about evidence, measurement and the remarkable ability of modern science to take the temperature of a changing planet.For the latest research and discoveries visit https://connectsci.au/news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We travel nearly ten kilometres beneath the surface of our own planet to explore one of the most extraordinary discoveries in modern science.For decades, the search for extraterrestrial life has focused on distant planets and far-off stars. But some of the most compelling clues may be hiding in the deepest trenches of Earth’s oceans. In total darkness, under crushing pressure and without any sunlight, scientists have discovered thriving ecosystems powered not by light, but by chemistry.Host David Boldeman and ConnectSci journalist Evrim Yazgin unpack how these deep-sea organisms survive using chemosynthesis, breaking down chemicals like hydrogen instead of relying on photosynthesis.READ MORE: https://connectsci.au/news/news-parent/6784/Clues-to-extraterrestrial-life-found-in-deep-sea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ocean currents are the hidden systems that regulate Earth’s climate, moving heat and energy around the planet. But as the ocean warms, those currents are beginning to shift, with major consequences for Australia.In this episode of the Ultramarine, science journalist Ellen Phiddian explains how ocean currents work, how scientists track their movement, and why predicting their future is so complex. The conversation explores changes already being observed, from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current to the East Australian Current pushing further south along Australia’s east coast.Together, the episode unpacks what scientists know, what remains uncertain, and why Australia, as an island continent surrounded by multiple ocean systems, is particularly exposed to changes in ocean circulation. Understanding how the ocean moves, it turns out, is essential to understanding Australia’s climate future.More information:Earth Nullschool: An interactive global map that shows ocean currents, winds, and temperatures moving around the planet in near real time. A great way to visualise systems like the East Australian Current.Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS): Australia’s national network of ocean sensors, moorings, and observing platforms used to track ocean currents, temperature, and conditions around the coastline.For the latest science news and discoveries visit https://connectsci.au/news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explains how sea level rise is measured — not just that it’s happening. It demystifies the tools, the data, and the validation process that sit behind one of the most talked-about climate metrics.Sea level is a baseline measurement that underpins city planning, infrastructure design, flood risk modelling, and long-term coastal decision-making. Understanding how we know builds trust in what we know.Science journalist Ellen Phiddian joins host David Boldeman to guide you through the measurement process, how evidence is tested, and how journalists assess confidence in scientific claims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australia has more than 1.7 million farm dams, and together they play a far greater role in climate and environmental health than most people realise. In this episode of the ConnectSci Podcast, host David Boldeman speaks with Dr Martino Malerba, freshwater ecologist and Senior Lecturer at RMIT University, about the surprising science behind these small but significant water bodies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the crucial issue of ocean pollution and explore real-world solutions with two passionate advocates for marine conservation. Ultramarine hosts David Boldeman and Steven Boldeman are joined by Tom Batrouney, environmental advocate and community lead at Seabin, and Ashley Hayes, Community Social & Environmental Impact Lead at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Together they unpack how citizen awareness, targeted tech, and collaborative responsibility are key to reclaiming Sydney Harbour’s health.For the latest news on research and discoveries visit connectsci.au/news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.