Latest news with #fjords
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
In a 1st, NCPOR sends team to study ocean data in Greenland
Panaji: As part of its strategy to expand its research in the Arctic region, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) dispatched a research team to Greenland. The NCPOR's expedition is driven by the rapid warming of the Arctic, which will have a huge impact on India's monsoon patterns and the economic security of the country due to sea level rise. A nine-member team of Indian researchers will depart on Friday for Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, where they will embark on the RV Skagerak, a 49m-long research vessel owned by the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The team will start the expedition on July 21 from Iceland and conclude the research on Aug 7. 'Till now, we have been working on land and fjords in the Arctic. As the Arctic is warming three times higher than the global average, the Arctic Ocean is experiencing consequences like potential disruption of major oceanic circulations and melting of its vast sea ice,' said NCPOR director Thamban Meloth. India and its relationship to the Arctic date back to Feb 1920, when it signed the Svalbard Treaty in Paris. The NCPOR researchers have been observing Arctic glaciers for their mass balance in order to compare them with Himalayan glaciers. India's association with the Arctic is a part of the interlinked polar programme consisting of activities in the Arctic, Antarctic and Himalayas, regions where the NCPOR is conducting extensive research. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo 'It is a completely new expansion. We have never done something like this before. Our first dedicated expedition to the Arctic will be focused on the East Greenland Sea, situated between Iceland and Greenland, which will provide oceanographic data and samples on the impact of ongoing warming in this region,' said Meloth. The major currents from the Greenland Sea flow into the North Atlantic Ocean. 'The ice around Greenland is melting heavily these days and fresh water is entering the ocean, and there are large changes that they are seeing. We are focusing on specialised measurements and if the team finds something interesting, then we will continue to conduct expeditions in these waters,' said the NCPOR director. The NCPOR lacks an ice-class research vessel, which is why it approached the University of Gothenburg for this expedition. The Vasco-based research institute is already working on a proposal to purchase a dedicated, ice-class research ship.
Sustainability Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'He Spent Millions for a Single Thrill': Zuckerberg Crosses 5,300 Miles on Twin Superyachts, Helicopters to a Peak, and Skis Down Like No One Else
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Mark Zuckerberg orchestrated a 5,280-mile journey to Norway's fjords using his two superyachts, the Launchpad and the Wingman . orchestrated a 5,280-mile journey to Norway's fjords using his two superyachts, the and the . 🛳️ These yachts served as a floating base for a high-end heliskiing adventure, cleverly bypassing Norway's strict helicopter landing regulations. adventure, cleverly bypassing Norway's strict helicopter landing regulations. 🎿 Known for his adventurous spirit, Zuckerberg skied down remote Norwegian peaks, blending extreme sport with ultra-luxury. with ultra-luxury. 🌍 The escapade raises questions about sustainability and the environmental impact of such luxurious undertakings. As the Easter holiday arrived, many sought sunshine and relaxation, but Mark Zuckerberg had a different plan in mind. The Meta CEO orchestrated a grand adventure, mobilizing two of his superyachts for an epic journey stretching over 5,280 miles to Norway's breathtaking fjords. While the sheer scope of this voyage is impressive, the underlying purpose adds layers of luxury, adventure, and a hint of controversy. This escapade not only highlights Zuckerberg's adventurous spirit but also raises important questions about sustainability and the environmental impact of such opulent undertakings. A $330 Million Logistical Luxury The vessels at the heart of this ambitious journey are the Launchpad and the Wingman. The Launchpad, a 387-foot yacht, is valued at a staggering $300 million, while the Wingman, a support vessel equipped with a helipad, adds another $30 million to the equation. Together, these yachts embarked from the United States, traversing the North Atlantic to reach Norway's icy shores. Serving as a floating base, they set the stage for a high-end heliskiing adventure for Zuckerberg and his family. Norway's stringent environmental regulations restrict helicopter landings for tourism, but Zuckerberg skillfully navigated these rules. By utilizing the helipad on his yacht instead of landing on Norwegian soil, he sidestepped the legal requirements. This strategic maneuver meant no permits were necessary, as the helicopter never touched land. This blend of luxury and logistical mastery underscores the ability of high-profile individuals to leverage resources to carve their own paths, both literally and metaphorically. 'California's Electric Train Revolution Slashes Toxic Pollution': 89% Drop in Carcinogens Marks Historic Win for Public Health and Climate Between Extreme Sport and Ultra-Luxury Heliskiing is an elite sport, reserved for those with a taste for adventure. It allows skiers to descend pristine, untouched slopes that are inaccessible by conventional means. Zuckerberg, known for his adventurous pursuits like martial arts and surfing, indulged in this unique experience. Skiing down remote Norwegian peaks in one of the world's most isolated settings, he epitomized the intersection of extreme sport and ultra-luxury. In 2024, Zuckerberg had already showcased his penchant for opulence by dispatching the Launchpad to Tahiti for a luxurious cruise, without even stepping onboard. His fleet remains on standby, ready to accommodate his desires at a moment's notice. Recent maritime data reveals the Launchpad's current station in Longyearbyen, within the Svalbard archipelago, one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth. This readiness and capability highlight Zuckerberg's commitment to pursuing extraordinary experiences, regardless of location. 'UN Defies US Threats': Global Carbon Tax on Shipping Passed in Historic Move That Shakes Oil Giants and Trade Routes Logistical Mastery or Legal Loophole? This remarkable escapade raises questions as much as it garners admiration. Is it a demonstration of logistical prowess, unabashed luxury, or legal ingenuity? By navigating over 5,280 miles, Zuckerberg not only showcases his capability to orchestrate such a complex operation but also his deftness in operating within, yet on the edge of, regulatory frameworks. His approach offers a glimpse into how high-profile individuals can leverage resources to carve their own paths — both literally and metaphorically. Whether it's the audacity of transporting luxury yachts across the ocean or the thrill of skiing untouched mountains, Zuckerberg's adventure underscores a unique intersection of wealth, adventure, and legal navigation that few can emulate. It is a testament to how individuals of significant means can transcend conventional boundaries, creating bespoke experiences that are as awe-inspiring as they are controversial. Swiss Startup Stuns the World by Powering Trains With the First-Ever PV Solar Plant Built Directly on Active Railway Tracks The Broader Implications of Such Adventures While this high-profile journey showcases the possibilities available to the ultra-wealthy, it also prompts broader discussions about the ethical and environmental implications of such exploits. The massive expenditure and environmental footprint of transporting superyachts across oceans raise questions about sustainability and responsibility. These voyages, while impressive, draw attention to the broader societal impacts of wealth concentration and environmental stewardship. The juxtaposition of extreme luxury against the backdrop of global economic disparities invites reflection on the societal impacts of wealth concentration. As we marvel at the logistics and legal maneuvering, we must also consider the broader implications for both environmental stewardship and social equity. In the grand scheme, Mark Zuckerberg's Norwegian adventure serves as a testament to the lengths some will go for unique experiences. But it also challenges us to think about the balance between indulgence and responsibility. How do we reconcile the allure of luxury and adventure with the pressing need for sustainable practices and equitable resource distribution? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (21)
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Orcas Filmed Exhibiting Rare, Human-Like Behavior for First Time
If you're ready for a summer romance, you're not alone in the mammal kingdom. In fact, even your aquatic brethren are getting a little hot and heavy beneath the waves. A recent study published in the research journal Oceans has added yet another interesting, human-like interaction to the pantheon of orca behaviors observed in the wild. This time, the orcas were filmed "tongue nibbling," an affectionate behavior not unlike human kissing. 'This study presents the first recorded observation of tongue-nibbling between two wild killer whales," the study says, with video captured by a citizen scientist on a snorkeling expedition in the Kvænangen fjords in northern Norway. Although it's been observed occasionally by orcas in captivity as far back as the '70s, this is the first time the behavior was caught in the interaction, the study notes, "lasted nearly two minutes and involved repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact. This behaviour closely resembles sequences observed and described in detail in zoological settings, suggesting that it forms part of the species' natural social repertoire. The observation also supports the interpretation of tongue-nibbling as a socially affiliative behaviour, likely involved in reinforcing social bonds, particularly among juveniles." Although the exact purpose of the behavior has not been determined, scientists compared it to kissing behaviors observed in primates and beluga whales, which serve communicative or bonding functions. 'This behavior appears to serve affiliative purposes and may play a role in reinforcing social bonds or resolving conflicts, akin to grooming or reconciliation behaviors in other highly social species," said co-author Javier Almunia to LiveScience. Check out the video below: Orcas Filmed Exhibiting Rare, Human-Like Behavior for First Time first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 3, 2025
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Scientists puzzled as orcas seen giving gifts to humans in random acts of 'kindness' around the world
Scientists have been left baffled after orcas were spotted giving gifts to humans in random acts of 'kindness'. From the icy fjords of Norway to the waters off New Zealand, wild orcas have been seen approaching humans who have been in boats and even standing on shore with an offering between their jaws. And the 'gifts' have ranged from fish, birds, stingrays, chunks of meat, and in one case, even a turtle. The behaviour, recorded in 34 separate incidents across six different orca populations, appears to be deliberate and surprisingly consistent. After releasing their 'gifts,' the orcas typically hovered close by, seemingly waiting for a human response – much like a pet cat bringing a mouse to its owner and watching expectantly. In several cases, bemused recipients took the unusual tokens, gave them a once-over, and gently tossed them back – only for the whale to retrieve and extraordinarily offer them again. The findings, published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology, have left researchers scratching their heads. 'We do not know the end goal of the cases reported here or even if there were any, but captive killer whales have been known to use dead prey to attract other species and then kill, but not always eat them,' the team, who were led by Jared Towers of the California Killer Whale Project, wrote in their study. While the idea of animals helping humans is a popular trope in ancient stories – think of Romulus and Remus being raised by a she-wolf, or jungle tales of children rescued by monkeys – modern scientific evidence has been scarce. One leading theory is that this behaviour reflects what scientists call 'interspecific generalised altruism' – essentially, kindness without strings attached. The orcas may be extending an invitation of friendship, offering up a piece of their catch without expecting anything in return. But researchers also aren't ruling out more calculating motives. In captivity, orcas have been observed using dead prey to lure birds closer only to eventually strike. However, there's been no hint of aggression towards humans. In fact, wild orcas have never been known to kill a person. Still, caution is urged regarding the five-tonne apex predators with a brain twice the size of ours. Their 'capacity to display complex and varied behaviours' remains poorly understood, the researchers added. The most plausible explanation, according to the team, may be that the gift-giving is part of the orcas' natural curiosity, and a way to study humans. 'This behaviour may represent some of the first accounts of any wild predator intentionally using prey and other items to directly explore human behaviour,' Towers and his colleagues wrote. Intriguingly, in all but one of the 34 cases, the whales waited for a response. Offering items to humans, researchers concluded, 'could simultaneously include opportunities for killer whales to practice learned cultural behaviour, explore, or play and in so doing learn about, manipulate, or develop relationships with us'. It comes after a pair of orcas were spotted snogging in the wild - and even using tongues. Video showed the pair of French-kissing killer whales gently biting each other's tongues for almost two minutes before parting and swimming away. In a paper published in the journal Oceans, the researchers describe 'repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact'. The strange behaviour was spotted by a group of nature tourists on a snorkelling trip in the Kvænangen fjords in Norway, about 68 miles (109 kilometres) northeast of Tromsø. This behaviour, referred to as 'tongue nibbling' by scientists, has been seen before in captive whales but never amongst orcas in the wild. Scientists still aren't sure why orcas might engage in this kissing-like activity, but it could be a form of social bonding or play between these highly intelligent animals.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Orcas Caught 'Kissing' For Two Minutes With Tongue
We've recently seen orcas foray into the world of fashion by wearing dead salmon as hats. Now a pair of orcas has been caught 'French kissing', taking their apparent mockery of human habits towards another flavor of gross. The whales' slobber sharing was incidentally captured by citizen scientists who observed and recorded the wild orcas (Orcinus orca) nibbling on each other's tongues in Norway's Kvænangen fjords. Maybe the marine mammals used some kelp grooming tools earlier to prepare for this date? "The interaction… lasted nearly two minutes and involved repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact," describe marine scientist Javier Almunia, director of the Loro Parque Foundation, and colleagues. Such behavior in orcas had only been observed in captivity previously, as recorded in a 2019 study (video below). "We documented the pattern 'gentle tongue bite', where an animal touches the other's tongue with his teeth but does not bite it," the researchers explained at the time. Related: Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) have also displayed mouth-to-mouth interactions in the wild. During a study on captive belugas, kissing behaviors were mostly initiated by the young animals, suggestive of play that might help refine motor and social skills. Neither species showed any signs of aggression during these interactions. So, while researchers caution it is difficult to draw conclusions from a single observation, they suspect the orcas could be using this behavior to help maintain social bonds. Alternatively, the 'kissing' could be a form of social grooming – as seen in primates – or even a type of begging behavior, Almunia and team speculate. It might also be a cultural trend, a game passing through the pod like the dead salmon hats, which only seem to occur in one cultural group of orcas. Along with kelp or pebble grooming, other signs of distinct orca cultures include regional differences in their dialects, food preferences, and hunting techniques. A group in the Mediterranean has even developed a habit of attacking sailing yachts. Whatever the purpose behind an orca's kiss, the recent spate of unexpected behaviors discovered in orcas makes one thing clear: there's still so much we don't understand about the remarkable animals we share our world with. This research was published in Oceans. Microbe 'Flavors' Tell Octopuses Which Babies Deserve Their Care A Mysterious Blob of Cold Water Defies Ocean Heat – Now We Know Why Scientists Discover 'Goblin Prince' That Roamed With Dinosaurs
