The Stream, September 25: Oceans & Clouds

Oceans
In a new study, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration finds that nutrient concentration affects ocean acidification, which is the process of water absorbing carbon dioxide. Nutrient levels are linked to algae growth, and when oceans acidify their ecosystems are put at risk. This can negatively impact businesses such as oyster fisheries. For more, read the article on water and oyster fisheries by Circle of Blue’s Codi Yeager.

The UN News Center highlights a new study of water systems by the Global Environment Facility. Key findings from the study focus on the consequences of: mismanagement and misunderstanding of aquifers, threats from increasing ocean acidification, and ocean temperature increases.

Clouds
There is a new type of cloud on the block, since 1951 that is, and advocates from the Cloud Appreciation Society have renewed their efforts, lobbying for the recognition of “undulatus aspertus in the International Cloud Atlas, says National Geographic. Keep your eyes out for their forthcoming iPhone app that allows you to photograph and tag clouds and helps scientists “cloudsource” your data for research.

In Somalia, al-Shabaab have allegedly poisoned the well and vandalized the pipes supplying a Kenyan soldier outpost near Kismayou, reports AllAfrica. Some of the Kenyan soldiers, part of the AMISOM mission to Somalia, are suffering from illness and others from dehydration. Supplies of water are being airlifted to the Kenyan troops as fighting near the port city battles on.

The Economic Regulation Authority in Australia is seeking comment on a proposal to decrease the household cost of water by as much as 10.5 percent by 2013, says ABC News. The proposal also suggests decreasing waste water prices “which would cause the reduction in tariffs.”

Think you know virtual water? Want to know what it is? The Guardian has posted an interactive graphic by Angela Morelli that takes a look at the indirect consumption, or virtual water, in different foods and drinks. Water “inputs” take on a whole new light.