Crimson Tide in the Columbia River Estuary


Read Transcript		As a scientist, I'm interested in why the water can turn red — why a bloom can persist and grow when there are very strong currents. The phytoplankton is highly productive, produces lots of oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the water. It mitigates the low-oxygen water coming in from the Pacific Ocean and that's good because, for example, salmon need oxygen in the water to breathe.

More About This Research

Columbia River red algae could counter global warming effects

The Oregonian, Lynne Terry

Algae appear suddenly in mid- to late summer, flushed by tides into the mouth of the Columbia River. "This is an extremely complex system that we're trying to understand," said Craig McNeil. By studying the algae, researchers eventually hope to gain a glimpse of how global warming might affect coastal waters so crucial to the food supply, livelihoods and recreation.

17 Oct 2012

APL-UW Involvement in CMOP

APL-UW experts in autonomous undersea vehicles (AUVs) are making observations from multiple fixed and mobile platforms equipped with oceanographic sensors. The AUVs are use to study the Columbia River plume and estuary region and are deployed periodically throughout each operational year.

CMOP: Coastal Margin Observation and Prediction Science and Technology Center

The center is headquartered at the Oregon Health & Science University in Beaverton, OR; OHSU, Oregon State University, and The University of Washington are anchor partners.