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Rubber Duckies For Global Warming Research

Posted by kdawson on from the next-time-try-penguins dept.

The Wall Street Journal has a look at global warming research using rubber duckies. The toys have been employed in tracking ocean currents since 1992; but recently NASA robotics expert Alberto Behar released 90 yellow rubber ducks into the melt water flowing down a chasm in a Greenland glacier. "Each duck was imprinted with an email address and, in three languages, the offer of a reward. If all goes well, Dr. Behar hopes that one day they will emerge 30 miles or so away at the glacier's edge in the open water of Disko Bay near Ilulissat, bobbing brightly amid the icebergs north of the Arctic Circle, each one a significant clue to just how warming temperatures may speed the glacier's slide to the sea."

8 of 167 comments (clear)

  1. Irony. by girlintraining · · Score: 5, Funny

    Raise your hand if the prospect of an environmentalist dumping plastic into the ocean for research purposes is deeply amusing.

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    #fuckbeta #iamslashdot #dicemustdie
  2. Rubber duckie, you're the one. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Rubber duckie, you're so fun.

    1. Re:Rubber duckie, you're the one. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      You make bathtime lots of fun. Rubber ducky I'm awfully fond of you. Too bad I must now go litter our oceans with your cute little yellow non-biodegradable petroleum product carcasses.

  3. Spam begets research begets spam by Valacosa · · Score: 5, Funny

    Each duck was imprinted with an email address and, in three languages, the offer of a reward.

    "This duck was lost by a Nigerian prince. Email this address to claim your reward."

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    "Live as if you'll die tomorrow." Ridiculous. You could die later today.
  4. Reward by renegadesx · · Score: 4, Funny

    Missing: One large yellow rubber duck, answers to the name 'Rubber Duckie'
    Has made apperances on childrens television shows
    Please report any information on the whereabouts on Rubber Duckie to Ernie, Sesame St NY. +123 (456) 789-10-11-12
    Cash reward

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    Make SELinux enforcing again!
  5. Next month's story by Jade+E.+2 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Scientists are extremely alarmed over a new phenomenon recently observed in the arctic glaciers. Melt water, which normally flows through micro rivers deep in the glacier until it reaches the sea, has started to flow over the surface instead, accelerating the rate at which the ice melts. "It's like something went and plugged up the flow, and now it's backing up like a giant toilet with a rubber duck stuck in it." remarked one researcher.

    The researchers are currently seeking a $10 million grant to investigate the cause of this disturbing event.

  6. Re:Pollution Anyone? by MadnessASAP · · Score: 3, Funny

    Now lets all calm down, nobody here needs to gain any knowledge.

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    I may agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to face the consequences of saying it.
  7. Re:GPS tracker anyone? by narcberry · · Score: 3, Funny

    Embed a hit single from Mariah Carrey in each one. Let the RIAA find them.

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    Modding me -1 troll doesn't make me wrong.