LDEO September 2026 Newsletter: Earth & Environmental Science News

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Image of Earth from space with Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory logo and text Lamont Newsletter: Every Continent. Every Ocean.

A Season for Science

2026 summer undergraduate interns at LDEO with Mike Kaplan, Dallas Abbott, and Laisa Sevilla. Credit: William Menke

Each summer, undergraduates in the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory summer intern programs experience cutting-edge scientific research under the mentorship of our Earth, atmospheric, oceanic, and environmental scientists. Students learn what research is like so they can explore research careers; develop self-confidence in their independent research, communication abilities, and scientific identities; and form a lasting professional network of fellow scientists. 📷 2026 summer undergraduate interns at LDEO with Mike Kaplan, Dallas Abbott, and Laisa Sevilla. Credit: William Menke

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.

Support Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
 
Terry Plank disembarks from the helicopter at the site where the majority of the instruments are being installed. Photo: Francesco Fiondella

Wiring the Spirit's House

Lamont scientists Terry Plank and Einat Lev worked with partners in Chile to install a new suite of sensors on the summit of Villarrica, bringing real-time monitoring to one of Chile’s most active volcanoes.

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Flooding from excessive rainfall associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ida in the Appalachian region of Pennsylvania near Needmore, PA, September 2021. Credit: Victor Cortes, USGS

The Changing Shape of Extreme Rain in the U.S.

A recent study led by researchers at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory asks how and why the spatial footprint of extreme rainfall in the U.S. has changed since 1980.

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An illustration of a tower by a landfill, detecting levels of methane month by month

Long-Term Study Suggests Landfill Methane Emissions Are Far Higher Than Estimates

The study used continuous ground-based measurements to determine that landfill methane emissions are likely much higher than current assessments.

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Smoke from Canadian Wildfires over New York City in June 2023. Credit: Newell Reinvention via Commons

Accounting for Compounding Climate Events in Emergency Management

Climate researchers Marco Tedesco and David Sathuluri reflect on how a single week of heat, smoke and flooding exposed the vulnerability of NYC

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Greenland’s retreating ice sheet. Source: Felton Davis/Creative Commons

Algal Blooms: A ‘Dark’ Threat to Greenland’s Cooling Capabilities

Recent studies show that the deposition of nutrients on glaciers and ice sheets is causing rapid algal growth, reducing glacier albedo and warming the planet.

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Folarin Kolawole maps fault lines in Tewksbury, NJ, April 2024. Credit: F. Kolawole

August Research Roundup: Select Papers

This month, we covered a long-term analysis suggesting that landfill methane emissions may be far higher than estimated, as well as new research on unexpected trends in U.S. extreme rainfall. Here are additional studies worth noting.

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Globigerina bulloides. Credit: Bärbel Hönisch
 

July Research Roundup: Select Papers

This month, we covered the 2026 Environmental Performance Index; how gas bubbles shaped Kīlauea’s lava flow; and the Pacific’s contrasting effects on wildfires. Here are some additional studies worth noting.

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Josie Brooks outside the Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies. Credit: Josie Brooks

A Polar Climate Ambassador Visits an Arctic Museum in Maine

Josie Brooks, Polar CAP intern, reflects on an exhibit at Maine’s Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, which explores the intersection of Inuit food traditions, hunting, art, and community.

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Map of the world with the text Upcoming Fieldwork

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

Collage of photos from Open House and fieldwork with the text Open House: Discover Earth Science, Saturday October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

Open House returns this year thanks to the support of individual and corporate partners–and you can be part of its return. Your support helps keep this beloved community event free and accessible to all while advancing the vital research conducted at Lamont-Doherty year-round. There are many ways to make an impact, from individual contributions to sponsorship opportunities. For more information, please contact Stacey Vassallo.

 
Instructions for taking photos and submitting the through the MyCoast app to contribute to Help Sea Grant NY, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and Columbia Engineering build an AI system that cleans up litter in New York’s rivers, lakes, and sea.

We’re bringing bold ideas, leading experts, and groundbreaking research to Climate Week NYC (September 20-27). Explore events, stories, and updates as we help shape the conversation on climate action across New York City.

 
Two volcanologists in safety gear with an erupting volcano behind them and a logo for Columbia Giving Day, October 28, 2026

Mark your calendar! Columbia Giving Day is Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Last year, you helped Lamont-Doherty weather serious threats to scientific funding and rescue critical research projects that would have otherwise been in jeopardy. Now, we ask that you help us sustain those projects. Our scientists remain committed to addressing some of society's greatest challenges, including the mysteries surrounding prolonged drought, the environmental impacts of microplastics, and rising sea levels. Provide immediate support for Lamont science by making a gift to the Lamont Director's Unrestricted Research Fund on Columbia Giving Day. 

 
Three works of art with text Art Meets Science at Lamont

On display at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory are three fascinating art exhibits:

  • Research as Art featuring works by Lamont researchers (Monell Building through October 15, 2026)

  • Science Flags CCL by Selva Ozelli (Lamont Café through June 30, 2027)

  • Whimsical Science by Betsy Franco-Feeney (Monell Building September 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027)

Contact Miriam Cinquegrana for more information/appointments.

 
 

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. We offer drop-in hours, community science programs, and our weekly Science Saturday events! September hours: Tuesday through Friday 10am-6pm, Science Saturday 12-4pm, and closed Sunday and Monday. 

Our many educational resources and all our sampling data are regularly updated and always available on the Field Station website! Questions about our school and group education programs or upcoming events at the Lamont-Doherty Hudson River Field Station? Contact Marisa Annunziato. 

September Science Saturdays! 

We invite you to join us every Saturday 12-4pm through September 26 for our free, drop-in Science Saturdays! September 5 will be outdoors, and the rest of our September Science Saturdays will be held inside the Field Station. This will be a great time to check out our educational displays and models, and learn more about the Hudson River Estuary and related environmental topics.

September Science Saturday themes are: 

  • September 5: The Hudson River Estuary

  • September 12: Plankton

  • September 19: Sediment, Ice, and Tree Cores

  • September 26: Striped Bass

Follow our Field Station's Instagram @ldeo_fieldstation for the most up-to-date information about Science Saturdays!

Community Science Dates for September!

Do you want to help with local science? Join us to collect important data on different science topics and meet other people who like being outdoors and contributing to our community of science! These activities take ~1 hour to complete and all supplies and training are provided. 

  • September 3 4pm: Water Quality 

  • September 4 4pm: Plankton

  • September 9 4pm: Oysters

  • September 10 4pm: Birding 

  • September 24 4pm: Birding 

  • September 25 4pm: Marine Debris

  • September 30 4pm: Microplastics

To let us know you plan to attend or for questions about our Summer Community Science Activities, contact Sarah Ortiz.

2026 Next Generation of Hudson River Scientists and Educators group picture with RCSC mentors

Next Generation of Hudson River Scientists and Educators 2026 Recap

As summer wraps up, we’re celebrating the incredible achievements of our 2026 Next Gen High School Interns! From catching fascinating fish and identifying birds to exploring the vibrant ecosystem of the Hudson estuary, they’ve helped increase our understanding of the Hudson River Estuary ecosystem. Along the way, they also connected with and educated many people about the Hudson River. Take a moment to check out their achievements. We’re already excited for what’s ahead in summer 2027! Applications for the Next Gen Summer 2027 program will open in January. Questions? Contact Marisa Annunziato. 

 

Education

2026 Polar Climate Ambassadors Program group picture with M. Turrin

Polar Climate Ambassadors Program Summer Team Wrap-Up

The summer interns spent 6 weeks immersing themselves in the polar regions, considering climate science, local to global connections, ongoing research, and impacts and solutions to the changes that are underway in these incredible and important places. They listened to the voices of native Arctic peoples and explored some of their cultures. Along the way, they have been sharing what they learned at Science Saturdays, and with camps and community events, and they will continue this throughout the fall. We hope you will visit them at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House on October 17! They will be in the Marine & Polar Geophysics tent sharing a youth-friendly activity about how seals are used to collect marine data under the floating ice in the Antarctic.

 
Chalkboard with chalk drawings of eco-friendly images such as solar panels and bicycles with text Climate LIVE K-12 Education.

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 rich YouTube archive of all past workshops and stay tuned for new Climate LIVE K12 workshops this fall!

 
 

Lamont in the Media (Select Stories)

How Scientists Unraveled the Cause of the Devastating Flood in Tibet and Nepal
Science

What the Newest Research on Wildfire Smoke Tells Us
New York Times

The Pollution Inside Your Home
Columbia Magazine

Heat, Smoke, and Snow Have Translated to a Lot More Eviction Delays
Curbed

How Colombia's Location Impacted the Earthquake's Magnitude
CBS News

What 66 Million Years of Climate History Tells Us About Our Future
Omelas Podcast

Interview: Dr. Folarin Kolawole; National Geographic Society Wayfinder Award Winner
TRVST

Could Deadly Caribbean Volcano Roar Back to Life?
NBC News

This Is What Really Caused the 2024 Earthquake in NJ, Experts Say
NorthJersey.com

8 Record-Breaking Heat Events and What They Revealed About the Planet
Quartz

Rising Temperatures Could Keep More Flights From Taking Off on Time
AP

The US Southwest’s Fires Surged, but in Australia, a Pacific Shift Helped Blunt the Rise
The Cool Down

In 2006, Scientists Discovered Giant Antarctic Lakes 4 Kilometres Below Surface that Never Froze Despite Brutal Cold and Could Harbor Ancient Life
The Economic Times

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