Recent studies have uncovered a striking shift in ocean visibility: more than 20% of Earth's oceans have become noticeably darker over the past two decades.

This process, termed "ocean darkening," refers to a measurable reduction in the photic zone—the sunlit upper layer of the ocean where photosynthesis occurs.

In several areas, this zone has become as much as 100 meters shallower, greatly limiting sunlight penetration.

This decline in light affects phytoplankton, microscopic organisms that form the base of the marine food chain and generate a large portion of Earth's oxygen.

With less light reaching them, phytoplankton populations are at risk, potentially triggering ecosystem imbalances, reducing biodiversity, and weakening the ocean’s role in carbon absorption and climate regulation.

The causes of ocean darkening are multifaceted. Coastal waters are especially affected by human activity, including agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and sedimentation, which increase the amount of organic matter and particles in the water.

In open ocean regions, the main drivers appear to be climate change-induced shifts in ocean currents and rising sea temperatures, which alter water mixing and light diffusion.

The implications are profound: darker oceans may lead to reduced marine productivity, altered fish populations, and disrupted climate feedback mechanisms.

Scientists are now racing to better understand this trend, as it poses both environmental and economic threats.

Recently made NEW cosplay for the first time in almost 10 years to get these awesome Cloud X Tifa from Final Fantasy Advent Children shots swipe to the end for a surprise

I used to be a semi-pro cosplayer but eventually my extreme perfectionism got the best of me and I had to stop crafting due to stress. It feels good to be able to utilize all those skills again! I’m actually a pretty talented seamstress so I’m happy to be doing that.

The Tifa costume was an absolute bear. It’s made out of upholstery leather and had to be 100% hand stitched. I dont want to talk about it lol.

Anyway Advent Children is one of my favorite movies, and I’ve played a decent amount of the FF games. I look forward to the upcoming FF Magic set as well!!

#cosplay #tifa #cloudstrife #cosplaygirl #adventchildren #finalfantasy #finalfantasy7 #mtg #cosplayofinstagram #gamergirl 𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐲𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 | 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 IG:emmaskyeward

Archaeologists have uncovered the world's oldest known human fingerprint, dating back approximately 43,000 years, in the San Lázaro rock shelter near Segovia, Spain.

This remarkable find is attributed to a Neanderthal individual and offers compelling evidence of their cognitive and artistic capabilities.

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Discovery Details

Artifact Description: A quartz-rich granite pebble bearing a red ochre dot, intentionally applied by a human fingertip—likely that of an adult male Neanderthal.

Symbolic Significance: The pebble's indentations resemble facial features, suggesting that the Neanderthal recognized this and enhanced it with the red pigment, possibly as a form of symbolic or artistic expression.

Scientific Analysis: Forensic techniques, including advanced microscopy, confirmed the presence of a human fingerprint and the deliberate application of non-native iron oxide pigment.

Cultural Implications: This artifact represents the earliest known example of European portable art and challenges the long-held belief that symbolic artistic expression was exclusive to Homo sapiens