World Ocean Day Today

After last year's hurricanes, many people will be paying attention to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Of Mexico like never before. So today on World Ocean Day we are encouraged to learn a bit more about the role of the world's oceans and why they are important. Many of you already know our oceans:

• generate most of the oxygen we breathe
• regulate our climate and control our weather patterns on a large scale
• provide a huge food source
• and are a storage locker for new drug discoveries

And lately technology is helping marine scientists make new discoveries virtually every day. Right now researchers are searching deep water reefs for new pharmaceuticals in the Straits of Florida between Miami and Bimini. Apparently even though no new species may be found, some known sponges, and other organisms have different properties at depth that may hold promise for a drug breakthrough.

And I read another interesting note concerning bottlenose dolphins and how they communicate. Some researchers now believe these dolphins may have names for themselves and recognize other dolphin names. In fact when two are communicating, they may even talk about a third dolphin by name!

I've always wanted to dive where dolphins or whales could be heard. And hopefully I'll be underwater to hear them first hand some day. Until then I can enjoy their sounds, and so can you with your computer here: http://www.dosits.org

We are told that there is a need for more scientists to study our atmosphere and oceans. With science headlines being made nearly daily in meteorology, astronomy, and oceanography what an exciting time to show students how cool these fields are. And we're lucky to have The Tennessee Aquarium, and The Challenger Center, world class facilities in our own backyard to inspire young minds to become future scientists.

By the way I took the pictures above while scuba diving in Cozumel in April of 2005.

From our Blue Water back to our Blue Skies:

Today: Mostly Sunny, warm and breezy with highs near 87. Look for northwest winds 10 to 20 mph and gusty today. But that ushers in some dry air again, so at least it won't be steamy.

Tonight: Fair skies and comfortable. Lows in the city around 61, outlying areas in the 50s.

Friday: Riverbend 2006 kicks off with Mostly sunny skies and warm with highs near 90.

Saturday and Sunday: Steamy with partly cloudy skies and highs near 90. I don't think we can completely rule out an isolated storm, but most of the area should miss out on significant rainfall.

Monday: The Bessie Smith Strut may have to dodge a stray shower as hit and miss storms pop with daytime heat. Highs Monday will be in the upper 80s to around 90.