Alene Onion's Page

Last week's HRECOS story described the impact of winter temperatures on the annual cycle of water levels in the Hudson River Estuary. Cold temperatures contract water causing sea levels to decline and, consequently, lower water levels in the Estuary. Conversely, when temperatures climb in the spring, the water expands and the sea levels and Estuary water levels increase. This is known as the steric effect.


I received multiple emails this week from people who felt that
seasonal changes… Continue

"as, the icy fang
And churlish chiding of the winter’s wind...
Even till I shrink with cold, I smile"
Duke in As You Like It (2.1.2)

During the winter months, materials used in every day life shrink. Rubber, plastic, metals, and concrete contract, causing head aches for architects and engineers. Car tires deflate slightly because of the contracting air inside. We may not enjoy this as much as Shakespeare's Duke, but we learn to deal with it.

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One year ago today, US Airways flight 1549 landed safely on the Hudson River. Many hands contributed to the successful rescue of all 155 passengers including HRECOS. Data from the HRECOS network and forecasts produced by our partners at the Stevens Institute NY Harbor Observing and Prediction System provided important information on river conditions.

The plane landed less than one kilometer from the HRECOS station at Castle Point. Within minutes of the crash, Alan Blumberg at the Stevens Instit… Continue

Many of the classic images associated with this time of year include strong winds. The cozy cottage engulfed in whipping winds. A family gathering made warmer by the whistling conditions outside. The wind is an important character in our holiday season, but not everyone knows its back-story nor its impact on the natural world around us.

The origin of this season’s wind is linked to two weather phenomena: cold fronts and Nor’easters. A cold front is the leading edge of a temperature drop off. Si… Continue

A woman running is breathing in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide pretty quickly. This is true especially compared to a bystander like me at last week's NY City Marathon. No matter how loudly I cheered, my metabolic activity was much lower than a runner's. This explains why I chose to dress in a down jacket whereas some of the runners were wearing little more than a bathing suit.

On a larger scale, ecosystems breathe at different rates as well. The primary producers in the ecosystem take in c… Continue