LDEO July 2024 Newsletter: Earth & Climate Science News
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Measures of Discovery
A view of the R/V Marcus G. Langseth and its seismic source array. The Langseth sails around the globe to make observations and explore — collecting sea surface, sea floor, and sub-bottom information — to help scientists and students understand climate variations, oceanic conditions, submarine volcanism, ocean crust and deep earth structure, and environmental processes affecting our planet. Credit: Brian Agee and Todd Jensvold, LDEO Office of Marine Operations
The Measure of a Man: Jerome M. Paros '63GSAS’ Life of Invention and Philanthropy
Jerry Paros' inventions have improved the measurements of geophysical phenomena such as tsunamis, and enhance our ability to understand the complex earth, air and ocean processes that produce climate change.
Only 270 Million Square Kilometers to Go: The R/V Marcus G. Langseth Maps the World's Oceans
For the first time in almost nine years, the R/V Marcus G. Langseth is back in New York City, stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for some much-needed TLC. State of the Planet got a tour of this impressive seismic vessel, learning how it can help researchers predict earthquakes and save lives in the process.
Cascadia Subduction Zone, One of Earth's Top Hazards, Comes Into Sharper Focus
Where tectonic plates collide off the coasts of the western United States and Canada, giant earthquakes and tsunamis occur. The last one was 324 years ago. When will be the next?
An Earthquake Changed the Course of the Ganges. Could It Happen Again?
2,500 years ago, an earthquake changed the course of the mighty Ganges River, a new study shows. The region remains vulnerable to a similar event now.
Finding an Undocumented Earthquake That Moved a River
Researchers offer a behind-the-scenes look at their recent discovery of an earthquake that shifted the course of the Ganges.
How Much Carbon Can the Ocean Hold? Lamont Researchers Aim To Find Out
Galen McKinley and her research group are quantifying how much carbon the ocean removes from the atmosphere—and how much it fluctuates—to better understand climate change.
Study Challenges Popular Idea That Easter Islanders Committed ‘Ecocide’
A popular trope says settlers overtaxed an isolated Pacific island, wrecked the environment and suffered a population collapse. A new study claims the opposite.
Here Comes the Sun—and the Extreme Heat
Learn more about extreme heat on State of the Planet, and check out Columbia Climate School's workshop on extreme heat, at the Forum July 10-12th.
Columbia Energy Exchange Podcast: What to Make of Extreme Weather Predictions
Why are extreme weather events worsening? How is climate change contributing to this development? And what measures are being taken to adapt to this new reality?
Events
Recent record-breaking heat waves have affected communities across the world and damaged critical infrastructure, cost human lives, and negatively affected public health and agriculture. The Extreme Heat Workshop will bring together researchers and practitioners to advance the state of knowledge, identify community needs, and develop an interdisciplinary framework for evaluating risks across sectors with a cross-cutting focus on climate justice. Learn More
Hudson River Field Station
Celebrate City of Water Day, Our Water: Full of Life on July 13th!
Join us on July 13 11am-3pm on Piermont Pier by our Hudson River Field Station (200 Ferry Rd, Piermont NY) to celebrate City of Water Day! This annual event is part of a larger region-wide day organized by the Waterfront Alliance and New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) to champion a climate-resilient New York and New Jersey Harbor. We strive to connect people with their local waterfronts, foster a better understanding and appreciation of our remarkable waterways, and build a more climate-resilient waterfront. Join us to explore the Hudson estuary, investigate how climate change is impacting the Hudson River watershed, learn more about how sea level rise will impact our waterfront communities, and more!. Questions? Contact Marisa Annunziato.
Science
Saturdays
Be sure to stop by all of our Summer Science Saturdays at the pier. Our student interns will be helping throughout the summer and are eager to share what they have been doing with you! Other upcoming themes include:
- Saturday, July 20: Plankton Party!
- Saturday, July 27: Microplastics and Marine Debris Madness
- Saturday, August 3: Geology Jamboree
Education
Lamont’s Summer High School Intern Programs
Each summer, the Lamont campus and Hudson River Field Station host a robust group of high school intern programs that offer diverse young people the opportunity to explore field-based research, science communications, and future careers in an applied setting. Our trio of programs, Secondary School Research Program (SSFRP), Next Gen, and Polar Climate Ambassadors Program (CAP) provide ~75 regional high school students a chance to spend 6 weeks engaged in hands-on learning experiences. The programs are team-focused using a tiered mentoring structure that includes peers, undergraduate students, graduate students, and scientists. Each program provides a science experience to youth who might not otherwise have that chance and helps propel them into a future career in science. Welcome 2024 interns!
Climate LIVE K12
Climate LIVE K12 features live lectures and interactive activities with our scientists and experts for K-12 students, educators, families, and the public! FREE!
Stay tuned for the 2024-2025 series beginning in the fall, and check out our YouTube archive of all past workshops.
Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains Pre-College Program
Take a glimpse into a day in the life of a Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains student in the via State of the Planet.
Program alum Ryan Lo shares: "These experiences and excitement in the Green Mountains Program have given me the knowledge and motivation I need to go deeper into climate activism."
Climate Catalyst Foundation Interviews with Experts
Anusha, a high school sophomore and alumna of the Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains Pre-College Program, found that many people were hungry for more information about climate change so she started her own climate education organization, The Climate Catalyst Foundation. With a mission to educate and inspire young people to take action against climate change, she interviews experts to share about various climate and sustainability career pathways that students can pursue in the future.
Anusha recently interviewed three Columbia Climate School experts, Jason Smerdon, Miriam Nielsen, and Laurel Zaima-Sheehy. We encourage you to check them out!
Lamont in the Media (Select Stories)
Society Showing It 'Can't Keep Up,' Climate Professor Reacts to Extreme Heat Deaths
CNN
The Dog Days of Summer Are Here Early. New York City Is Adapting.
New York Times
Why Was Maine Sweltering?
New York Times
Satellite Imagery May Provide a Missing Puzzle Piece in Easter Island Saga
CNN
An Unexpected Journey: Finding a Paleoearthquake and a River Avulsion
Nature Communications
Ancient Earthquake Likely Rerouted the Ganges River
Science
From Western Expansion To Climate Change: An Abbreviated History of Water
Forbes
How Many Tectonic Plates Does Earth Have? Science Responds!
Tecmundo
'The Big One': Researchers Gain Clearest Picture Yet of Fault that Threatens the Pacific Northwest
NBC News
Experts Say Earth Was Cooler, Not Warmer, 55,000 Years Ago | Fact Check
USA Today
The U.S. Drought Monitor Is a Critical Tool for the Arid West. Can It Keep Up with Climate Change?
Los Angeles Times
Earthquakes & Climate Change Impacts in Bangladesh with Geophysicist Michael Steckler
Planet on the Move
New Cascadia Fault Line Study Finds Most Dangerous Segment Sits Near Vancouver Island
Chek News
Ancient Crustal Weaknesses Contribute to Modern Earthquakes in West Africa
Eos
Antarctic Ice Loss Is Significant, Contrary to Claims
FactCheck.org
