http://www.deseagrant.org Subscribe to the 2010 wallpaper downloads here! en-us http://deseagrant.org/sites/deseagrant.org/files/imagecache/wallpaper-node/wallpaper-standard/apr10_wallpaper.jpg http://deseagrant.org/wallpapers tossey@udel.edu (Lisa Tossey) Marine Science downloads RSS 2.0 generation class The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), uses its claws to catch and eat a variety of food, from sea lettuce to clams. While the tips of the male’s claws are greenish blue, the claw tips on females are red. Fishermen say she “polishes her nails.” http://deseagrant.org/wallpaper/desktop-calendar-wallpapers-april-2010 http://deseagrant.org/wallpaper/desktop-calendar-wallpapers-april-2010 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST Though often considered signs of spring, many robins spend the whole year in their breeding range, which includes most of the United States. During winter, robins often retreat to woodlands where berry-producing trees and shrubs are common. Their year-round abundance depends on the severity of winter weather and the availability of food. http://deseagrant.org/wallpaper/desktop-calendar-wallpapers-march-2010 http://deseagrant.org/wallpaper/desktop-calendar-wallpapers-march-2010 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST Blimps flying silently overhead are familiar sights at sporting events. Now University of Delaware scientists are pioneering the use of a similar vehicle for environmental research. UD’s 60-foot airship is a novel way for researchers and students to gather data about the coastal landscape. The airship can be equipped with a variety of tools such as infrared cameras and a GPS system before being sent into the air. Depending on the instruments used, it can gather information on land-use and the shape of changing coastlines. The remote-controlled airship also lets scientists gather data on areas they want to survey repeatedly to watch for changes over time, at a much lower cost than renting a small plane. http://deseagrant.org/wallpaper/desktop-calendar-wallpapers-february-2010 http://deseagrant.org/wallpaper/desktop-calendar-wallpapers-february-2010 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST Have you ever wondered why bay and ocean water don’t freeze like fresh water? Fresh water freezes as temperatures dip to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. But salt lowers the temperature at which water freezes. That’s why we use salt on roads to prevent the formation of ice. For the saltiest water off Delaware’s Atlantic coast to freeze, the thermometer must drop to 28.6 degrees. As salt water begins to freeze, it creates slush — it doesn’t form a continuous ice sheet as it would on a freshwater pond, such as the one shown here. That’s why during a Delaware winter you’re more likely to see a slushy surface of ice crystals along a bay shoreline, silently undulating as waves break beneath. http://deseagrant.org/wallpaper/desktop-calendar-wallpapers-january-2010 http://deseagrant.org/wallpaper/desktop-calendar-wallpapers-january-2010 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST Shifting Sands- The miniscule pieces of seashells, minerals, and rocks that make up sand may not seem substantial, but when blown by wind and anchored by plants to form the rolling dunes of Delaware's coast, they provide a hardy natural barrier to the destructive power of coastal storms. Both beautiful and functional, sand dunes provide important natural habitat for wildlife while protecting coastal communities from pounding waves and extreme tides. http://deseagrant.org/wallpaper/desktop-calendar-wallpapers-december-2009 http://deseagrant.org/wallpaper/desktop-calendar-wallpapers-december-2009 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST A Sharp Sunset- A setting sun and impending darkness do not end activities on the University of Delaware's research ship, R/V Hugh R. Sharp. Operating any research vessel can be expensive, so CEOE scientists make every moment count when at sea. The cable shown in this photo is towing equipment that measures temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and other characteristics of the water. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST A Sea Celebration - At Coast Day, the University of Delaware's annual celebration of the sea, thousands of visitors learn about the local and global importance of the ocean and coastal environment through ship tours, cooking contests, touch tanks, and other activities. Sponsored by CEOE and Delaware Sea Grant, the event is held every first Sunday in October at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, Del. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST The shallow waters and dense bottom grasses of Delaware's Inland Bays-Rehoboth, Indian River, and Little Assawoman-provide habitat for many aquatic creatures. However, increased development and recreational use have put pressure on this diverse ecosystem. Delaware Sea Grant is working with local organizations and citizens to monitor pollution levels, restore native populations of shellfish, and ensure these waters will be enjoyed by future generations. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST The brilliant flowers of the salt-tolerant seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya virginica) may look pretty, but this native plant is more than an eye pleaser. CEOE researchers are studying seashore mallow's potential as a source for biofuel. Not only might it serve as a possible renewable energy resource, but its ability to grow on nonarable land preserves farmland for growing food and conserves freshwater resources. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Thu, 29 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST Class is in Session at the Beach - For these CEOE students, the world is their classroom. In addition to gaining critical field skills - as they are here, during a field trip to Delaware Seashore State Park - students work directly with faculty and perform independent research. CEOE students leave the university prepared to tackle complex environmental challenges in rewarding careers at institutions and agencies around the globe. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST Each May and June, hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs come to Delaware's sandy shores to spawn. Concurrently, migrating shorebirds make a pit stop here, where they gobble up the crabs' nutritious eggs. Delaware Sea Grant economists are measuring this event's economic value to birdwatchers and to the general population of the state. This information will be useful in evaluating the degree to which horseshoe crab harvest limits help the red knot and other migrating bird species. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Thu, 28 May 2009 15:00:00 EST This laughing gull enjoys a marsh in Rehoboth Bay, but the tranquil spring scene belies a struggle at hand. Many marshes like this one face rising sea levels, which may outpace wetland plants' ability to build up the soil as they grow, die, and decompose. Delaware Sea Grant botanists are working to identify the best varieties of native plant species that thrive in the face of rising waters. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST White Clay Creek's emerald banks and rocky bottom might not conjure thoughts of the coast, but that's where these waters flow. You can help ensure cleaner ocean water by using less fertilizer this spring. Rain washes lawn chemicals into local waterways, which make their way to the sea. Once in the waterways, the chemicals can fuel an overgrowth of algae and disturb ecosystems. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST As one of the largest estuaries on the East Coast, Delaware Bay provides a unique living library for researchers. This photo shows a view from the aft (rear) deck of the University of Delaware's research ship, R/V Hugh R. Sharp, taken during a study of fish larvae entering the bay from offshore spawning areas. The Sharp supports a wide variety of research in chemical, geological, physical, and biological sciences. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:30:00 EST From its smooth black shell to its pearly violet interior, the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) is an attractive Delaware seafood resource. A plethora of other shellfish and finfish are found here as well, and Delaware Sea Grant educates members of the public and the seafood industry on how to prepare them healthfully and safely. For information on workshops, publications, and more, call 302-831-8083. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST Start 2009 in style by bringing the coast to your home or office with our new desk calendar. Beautiful, full color images from Delaware's coastal regions are featured on 12 monthly cards, which are presented in a jewel case that opens to form a display stand. On the back of each card you'll find details about Delaware's coastal resources and learn about College of Marine and Earth Studies and Delaware Sea Grant College Program initiatives. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Tues, 23 Dec 2008 17:30:00 EST Sunbathers' towels will cover this Cape Henlopen beach during summer, but for now, ice blankets the sand. CMES researchers continuously work to understand the state's and the world's long-term climate patterns. Some are improving our understanding of past climate history, while others are studying ongoing changes to our ocean and coastal environments. CMES researchers also are looking at ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of alternative energy. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST Part of a fragile system that protects marshes, bays and land behind beaches from high water and turbulent seas, dunes are a critical part of the coast. Dune grass and other plants play the key role of stabilizing these mounds of sand. Their stems, leaves and roots keep sand particles in place. As the familiar "Keep off the dunes" sign reminds, stepping on these plants can kill them and disrupt this important beach function. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST From fishermen casting for striped bass, to families taking guide-led boat rides or seeking sun and sand, tourism spending in Delaware was estimated at $1.6 billion in 2006. College of Marine and Earth Studies researchers understand the tremendous value of Delaware's natural resources, and each day they're learning even more about them. CMES researchers are investigating everything from tourism revenue generated by migratory birds to the potential effects that offshore energy-generating wind turbines could have on beach visitation. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST 2009 is here--the 2009 desk calendar, that is! Bring the coast to your home or office with our new calendar. Beautiful, full color images from Delaware's coastal regions are featured on 12 monthly cards, which are presented in a jewel case that opens to form a display stand. On the back of each card you'll find details about Delaware's coastal resources and learn about College of Marine and Earth Studies and Delaware Sea Grant College Program initiatives. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST Delaware's beaches annually attract more than 6 million visitors. Our coastal waters support an abundance of fish and wildlife, including 138 types of finfish and plentiful oyster and blue crab fisheries that generate commercial, tourism and educational activities. Given the coast's impact on life in the region, it's no wonder that each year more than 10,000 visitors celebrate Delaware's natural resources and experience marine research at Coast Day, held every first Sunday in October at the University of Delaware's Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, Del. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST How can communities grow, but keep their unique characters and preserve scenes like this? Delaware Sea Grant College Program initiatives address land-use issues by organizing "smart growth" seminars and introducing local officials to tools their growing communities can use to protect natural resources. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST The bright green color seen from this airplane view hints at it, but an even closer look shows why this marsh is a protected area: It's teeming with life. Marsh plants are suited for dealing with continued, periodic flooding from tides. These plants provide shelter and food for a vast range of animal species: marine animals such as anchovies, summer flounders and blue crabs; terrestrial species including raccoons, deer and muskrats; birds like the snow goose; and marsh-specific species such as ribbed mussels and diamondback terrapins. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST Excessive nutrients and pollution from runoff can stress the water supply and aquatic life of Delaware's coastal waters. A Delaware Sea Grant College Program initiative trains citizen volunteers to collect water quality data and help scientists keep an eye on changes. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST It's fun to take a boat out fishing for a day, but do you know how to safely handle, store, and prepare your catch? The Delaware Sea Grant College Program Marine Advisory Service uses workshops, publications, videos, and the Internet to help members of the public, seafood processors, and restaurant personnel avoid food-borne pathogens and learn nutrition information and cooking techniques. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Thu, 29 May 2008 12:30:00 EST Delaware's tall ship, the Kalmar Nyckel, is a symbol of our region's rich coastal heritage. The replica depicts the ship that sailed from Sweden to the New World in 1638. Its passengers established the New Sweden, the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley, which we know today as Wilmington, Del. The Kalmar Nyckel has made several appearances at the annual Coast Day festival. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Thu, 30 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST The newest addition to the College of Marine and Earth Studies' fleet, the 146-foot R/V Sharp was described in 2006 as the nation's most advanced coastal research vessel. Here, a rainbow sends a good omen as the ship - which takes as many as 20 scientists on research trips from Maine to Florida and as far offshore as Bermuda - awaits its initial launch from its birthplace in Anacortes, Wash. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST Rising sea levels and coastal development may threaten marshes with loss of habitat and altered water levels and tidal flows. College of Marine and Earth Studies botanists are analyzing plants that would be ideal for restoring existing marshes or creating new ones. The plants — which include common marsh vegetation such as smooth cordgrass and black rush — can handle the stresses of increased salinity and excess nutrients in estuarine environments. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST This 1977 NASA image shows vegetated areas in red, bare agricultural fields and beaches in white, and wetlands in greenish brown. By comparing historical and contemporary satellite images, College of Marine and Earth Studies researchers are determining changes in land uses and the ocean over time. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/seagrant/wallpapers/index.html Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST