LDEO October 2025 Newsletter: Earth & Environmental Science News
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Eye on the Horizon
Life boat aboard the Langseth one day out in transit from Woods Hole, MA to Puerto Rico (Credit: Christina DeLorenzi, Chief Steward, R/V Marcus G. Langseth). The Langseth is currently off the coast of Central America, heading toward San Diego.
As American science faces cuts in research funding, your support is more important than ever. By making a gift to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory today, you help advance our mission, strengthen our community of researchers, and expand our education and outreach initiatives—ensuring that Lamont continues to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. At a time when research funding is increasingly uncertain, your support is more important than ever. Every dollar donated stays at Lamont, supporting Lamont science and scientists.
Columbia Will Co-Lead Major Project To Study Global Carbon Cycle
Awarded by Schmidt Sciences, a new grant will provide up to $45 million to four interdisciplinary teams of researchers who will seek to improve climate modeling across land, air and sea.
Earth’s Crust Is Tearing Apart off the Pacific Northwest—and That’s Not Necessarily Bad News
Using seismic reflection imaging—essentially an ultrasound of the Earth’s subsurface—and detailed earthquake records, the team captured a subduction zone in the process of tearing itself apart.
What Does It Mean for Soil To Be Healthy?
Yushu Xia's research bridges field-based science and advanced modeling to inform more resilient land management strategies that benefit farmers, ranchers, communities and the planet.
The Ocean Carbon Sink Is Ailing
Measurements analyzed by an international research team indicate the global ocean absorbed significantly less CO₂ than anticipated during the unprecedented marine heatwave in 2023.
Study of Extreme Indian Rainfall Upends Conventional Wisdom
While El Niño often brings drought conditions to India, a new paper shows that it also increases the likelihood of devastating downpours in some of the country’s most heavily populated regions.
Rings of Time: Seeking Clues to the Future in Urban Timber
Lamont scientists are working with lumber salvage companies to preserve old timbers from demolished structures that offer rich clues to climate data and human history.
Scientists Respond to the Planned Termination of the Only U.S. Antarctic Research Vessel
In a signed letter, 170 researchers, including 10 from Columbia University, urged Congress and National Science Foundation to continue the operation of the Nathaniel B. Palmer.
Learning From Local and Global Climate Leaders: Highlights From the Climate School Showcase
As part of this year’s Climate Week NYC, the event included conversations between climate experts, interdisciplinary panels of researchers, and student presentations on the complex issues and possible solutions for the climate crisis.
Taking Science Education to the Seas With the 2025 School of Rock
Aboard the R/V Marcus G. Langseth, 13 teachers traveled from San Diego to the Galápagos Islands this summer, learning about oceanography and collaboration along the way.
New Medals and Awards Summer and Fall 2025
Congratulations to the following Lamonters whose impacts are being recognized through awards and medals from scientific societies and foundations.
Suzana Camargo, Professor of Climate, has been elected a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (AMS).
Ben Cook, scientist at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Adjunct Senior Research Scientist at LDEO and, is receiving the Piers J. Sellers Global Environmental Change Mid-Career Award by the American Geophysical Union (AGU) for “outstanding contributions in research, educational, or societal impacts in the area of global environmental change, especially through interdisciplinary approaches.”
Ed Cook, Ewing Lamont Research Professor, is receiving the Roger Revelle Medal from the American Geophysical Union (AGU) “in recognition of outstanding contributions in atmospheric sciences, atmosphere-ocean coupling, atmosphere-land coupling, biogeochemical cycles, climate or related aspects of the Earth system”.
Fola Kolawole, Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, is receiving the Jason Morgan Early Career Award from the American Geophysical Union (AGU), given “to an early career scientist for outstanding and significant contributions to tectonophysics through a combination of research, education, and outreach activities.”
Kerstin Lehnert, Doherty Senior Research Scientist, is receiving the 2025 Distinguished Public Service Medal from the Mineralogical Society of America (MSA), given for distinguished contributions to public policy and outreach.
Adam Sobel, jointly Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Professor of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, will receive the Joanne Simpson Tropical Meteorology Research Award from the American Meteorological Society “for advancing understanding of tropical meteorology through transformative approaches, including the weak temperature gradient approximation and moisture-mode theory."
Renata Wentzcovitch, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Professor of Applied Sciences and Applied Mathematics, is receiving the 2025 Bridgeman Award of the International Association for the Advancement of High Pressure Science and Technology (AIRAPT) “in recognition of her transformative contributions to materials simulations at high pressures and temperatures.”
Yushu Xia, Lamont Assistant Research Professor, received an Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award (The New Innovator Award) from the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR), recognizing promising research is opening new avenues of knowledge to deliver groundbreaking solutions to difficult challenges.
Rememerbering Two Lamonters
Remembering Jeff Rupert
Jeff Rupert worked for LDEO Office of Marine Operations (OMO) from 2006-2019 serving as Marine/Science Coordinator (2006-2010) and as Technical Services (2010-2019). After graduating with his BS in Geology from San Jose State in 1976, he joined the USGS in Menlo Park as Marine Science Technician. He then moved into industry, first with NEKTON, then at Western Geophysical/Western Geco, where he held multiple roles around the world, including London, Houston and Norway.
In 2006, Jeff made what he called a “leap of faith” to join Lamont’s OMO. He immediately jumped in to help outfit the Marcus G. Langseth, bringing it online as the academic research fleet’s first 3D-capable seismic vessel. Drawing on his endless stream of industry contacts and friends, Jeff recruited experienced technicians and secured critical equipment through deals and donations that are hard to quantify. He helped ensure that the Langseth was ready to deliver world-class science.
Former LDEO Director Sean Solomon shared: “While I was director, I grew to know Jeff as an essential player on the team that has made the Langseth and Lamont’s Office of Marine Operations so integral to the Observatory and indeed to the success of U.S. marine seismology. I hope that Lamont will find a way to celebrate Jeff’s many contributions to what continues to make our institution special.”
Art Lerner-Lam added: “Jeff’s devotion to Marine operations and his contacts throughout the marine seismic community were critical to the growth and success of our science. More importantly, his combination of warmth, humor and empathy was unique. A true friend and colleague.”
When news spread of Jeff’s unexpected passing on August 23rd, tributes poured in from former industry colleagues, from scientists who had worked with him on the Langseth, from partners at the National Science Foundation, and beyond. Together they painted a picture of someone whose work and spirit had a lasting, positive impact on marine seismology and on those he worked with.
Most importantly, Jeff found the joy in life, whether talking shop, rugby (played in his younger days), savoring a good scotch, cheering for the San Francisco Giants or enjoying and sharing music. Family and friends noted that he loved to cook and considered BBQ an artform. He was especially proud of his family: his wife Jane, daughters Jessica and Alexandra, son-in-law Scott and grandkids Maverick and Colton. His sense of humor was contagious and at times just what was needed to keep a ship running smoothly. He will be sorely missed by everyone.
–Sean Higgins, Director, Office of Marine Operations
Remembering Xavier Le Pichon
Geophysicist Xavier Le Pichon, one of the pioneers of plate tectonics and a member of Maurice Ewing's team at Lamont in the 1960s, died in March 2025. David Bercovici of Yale wrote on the National Academy of Sciences website “Le Pichon was one of the giants in the Plate Tectonic revolution, authoring one of the seminal papers in the period of 1967-1968 (along with those by W. Jason Morgan and Dan McKenzie) laying out and verifying the mathematical theory of Plate Tectonics. He had a long illustrious career, starting at Columbia University and holding various faculty and chair positions at the Université Pierre et Marie Curie, the École Normale Supérieure and lastly at the College de France …”
The figure below is from Le Pichon, X. (1968). Sea-floor spreading and continental drift. Journal of Geophysical Research, 73(12), 3661–3697.
For decades, Lamont Open House has welcomed the public to immerse themselves in Earth science through hands-on activities, learning from our world-renowned researchers about their latest discoveries. Unfortunately, Open House is suspended in 2025 due to funding uncertainties. We hope to host it next year. Meanwhile, please consider making a gift to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory today. Every dollar contributed stays at Lamont to support our science, our researchers, and our education and outreach initiatives like Open House.
Lamont researchers are in the field studying the dynamics of the planet on every continent and every ocean. Journalists may join and cover expeditions when possible. Learn more about this essential fieldwork.
Events
On October 15 12pm ET, join us for a conversation on Extreme Weather & Climate, hosted by Arthur Lerner-Lam, featuring experts Michela Biasutti and Chia-Ying Lee. This event is part of our virtual series Earth Observations: Conversations with Lamont Scientists. Learn More/RSVP
Columbia Giving Day
Mark your calendar! Columbia Giving Day is Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory is an unparalleled powerhouse for Earth science research. Our scientists study the planet from its deepest interior to the outer reaches of its atmosphere, traversing every continent and ocean to gather fundamental knowledge and provide a rational basis for the difficult choices facing humanity. Help us weather the storm of federal funding cuts and provide immediate support for Lamont science by making a gift to the Lamont Director’s Unrestricted Research Fund.
Flood Walk by Fatma Kadir. Kadir, an oil painter, debuted her Melting Age series at the National Lighthouse Museum in early 2025. Her four striking paintings focus on the human toll of climate change.
The Melting Age
The Melting Age is a thought-provoking art exhibit highlighting our planet's environmental emergencies explored through the distinct artistic lenses of Alfons Rodríguez, Fatma Kadir, and Selva Ozelli, on display at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory through October 31, 2025. Learn More
The Ocean Once Protected Us | Inspired by the Work of Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) by Mary Tiegreen with Bing AI.
Climate Disasters Inspired by Great Masters
Climate Disasters Inspired by Great Masters is an art exhibit hosted by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in collaboration with Climate Change Resources. Each work imagines what a famous artist might have created on the theme of climate disasters. The exhibit was created by Palisades, NY artist Mary Tiegreen using BingAI, and is on display at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory through March 31, 2026. Learn More
Education
High school students, explore how climate change is impacting Earth's water systems in our virtual, 7-week pre-college workshop (Saturday mornings Oct 18-Dec 6), Ripple Effects: Water in a Warming World led by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory's Margie Turrin and Marisa Annunziato. Learn More/Register
Our pre-college programs are for students grades 9-12 who want to sharpen their knowledge and skills in climate change and sustainability, advance their learning beyond the classroom, and network with students who have similar interests and unique perspectives.
Climate LIVE K12 features live lectures and interactive activities with our scientists and experts for K-12 students, educators, families, and the public! FREE! Check out our YouTube archive of all past workshops.
Up Next: On October 8, 4-4:30pm ET, join us for Exploring Biodiversity: Life on Land and in the Water. Columbia University’s Biodiversity Club will lead an engaging session that introduces the wonders of biodiversity. Through stories of life on land and in water, students will discover how species interact, why they matter, and how caring for ecosystems can shape future opportunities. RSVP today (free but registration required)!
Lamont-Doherty Hudson River Field Station
We are located at 200 Ferry Road, Piermont, NY at the eastern end of Rockland County's Piermont Pier. Community science programs, school education, and special events continue throughout the year, however, Field Station drop-in hours end in October for the off-season, and will re-start in late May/early June. Our many educational resources and all our sampling data are regularly updated and always available on the Field Station website! For questions about our community science programs, school and group education programs, or upcoming events at the Lamont-Doherty Hudson River Field Station please contact Marisa Annunziato.
Community Science Programs
Despite the weather cooling off, our community science programs continue to help us collect important information and data! Monthly sampling events offer an opportunity to learn more about local research, contribute to the scientific community, build an appreciation for the natural environment, and gain skills conducting field work! Programs include oyster monitoring, fish diversity and abundance, microplastic survey, plankton survey, marine debris survey, and water quality monitoring. Community service hours are available for high school participants. Questions? Contact Marisa Annunziato.
What’s the Condition of the Hudson at Piermont?
One of the most asked questions from Field Station visitors is, “How is the Hudson doing…is it getting better?” The Hudson is a complex body of water that is dynamic and diverse with a complicated history of human use, and in some cases, abuse. However, the Hudson is thriving and continues to be an incredibly productive estuary and nursery area for many young fish. One way that you can check on the Hudson is through our real-time monitoring system called HRECOS (Hudson River Environmental Conditions Observing System). Operated as an alliance of partners, it has continuous monitoring stations on the Hudson River and surrounding water bodies, recording their “pulse” every 15 minutes. Sensors measure water quality and weather readings that are transmitted to our website. Piermont conditions are available online and displayed on the monitor outside the Field Station.
Lamont in the Media (Select Stories)
