LDEO March 2026 Newsletter: Earth & Environmental Science News
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Earth’s Past and Future
To improve forecasts of future sea level rise, scientists study coastlines that have preserved geologic markers of where sea levels were during past times. In 2022, paleoclimatologists Billy D’Andrea, Blake Dyer, Oana Dumitru, Roger Creel, and Steve Goldstein sampled and measured coral and rock formations along coastlines in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their focus: the last interglacial period about 120,000 years ago when temperatures were close to what is projected for later this century, at which time seas may have risen precipitously. 📷 Waves off the Atlantic Ocean slowly take fossilized carbonate dunes back to sea in Middle Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands, June 2022. Credit: Billy D'Andrea
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.
Harnessing AI, Scientists Discover a Rise in Floating Algae Across the Global Ocean
A recent study demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence as a tool for processing large amounts of ocean data.
Unexpected Climate Feedback Links Antarctic Ice Sheet With Reduced Carbon Uptake
New study reveals surprising link between West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) retreat and algae growth over the past 500,000 years.
Women in Science: Paleoceanographer Apollonia Arellano
Arellano uses geochemical analyses to reconstruct deep ocean circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Women in Science: Geochemist Terry Plank
Award-winning geochemist and volcanologist Terry Plank studies the phenomena shaping the Earth’s crust and how they affect the world’s volcanoes.
Women in Science: Climate Scientist Gisela Winckler
Winckler focuses on the history and causes of past, present and future climate variability, as well as the ocean’s role in the climate system and the carbon cycle.
How Can AI Address Climate Justice When Women’s Voices Are Silenced?
Unless women’s lived realities are embedded in AI's foundations, it risks reinforcing the very inequities it claims to solve.
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 March 25 6-8pm ET, join us for our next Public Lecture, Climate and Ice: From Rising Seas to Shrinking Mountain Glaciers, with Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory geochemist Joerg Schaefer who will explore how fast ice is melting, where it is changing most rapidly, and how we can respond to these challenges. Hosted by Lamont interim director Steven L. Goldstein, this in-person event begins with a reception from 6-7pm ET followed by the discussion from 7-8pm ET. Learn More/RSVP
Art Meets Science
On display at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory are three fascinating art exhibits:
Research as Art featuring works by Lamont researchers (Monell Building through Oct 15, 2026)
Paradise featuring oil paintings by Selva Ozelli and photographs by Ian Hutton (Lamont Café through June 30, 2026)
Climate Disasters Inspired by Great Masters featuring works by Palisades, NY artist Mary Tiegreen in collaboration with BingAI for Climate Change Resources (Monell Building through June 30, 2026)
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. Community science programs, school education, and special events continue throughout the year, however, Field Station drop-in hours ended 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! Questions about our community science programs, school and group education programs, or upcoming events at the Lamont-Doherty Hudson River Field Station? Contact Marisa Annunziato.
Plankton are microscopic organisms that can be found in the world's oceans, lakes, estuaries, and rivers. Though small, they play a massive role in the Earth's ecosystem. Phytoplankton and zooplankton act as an important food source for many crustaceans and species of fish, including menhaden, herring, bay anchovies, etc., in the Hudson Estuary. Seasonal blooms of plankton in the lower reaches of the estuary marks the beginning of spring. Check out our plankton ID guide to learn more about the plankton in the Hudson Estuary, and consider getting involved in our community science plankton survey.
Our community science projects are starting back up in March, and we have many different opportunities for you to be involved! Among the many benefits of participating are learning more about local research, being part of a science community, building an appreciation for the natural environment, working outdoors conducting field work, and for high schoolers, gaining community service hours. Programs include oyster monitoring, fish diversity and abundance, microplastic survey, plankton survey, marine debris survey, and water quality monitoring. We will be launching a brand new community science project focused on water birds this spring! Contact Marisa Annunziato to get involved!
Education
Our education team is out in the community this spring. There are multiple opportunities to catch up with us, so please come and visit!
In February, we spent two busy days participating in Science and Nature Days during Intrepid Museum Kids Week, visited by nearly 6,000 people!
In March, we have more planned events:
On Saturday March 14 11am-3pm, we will be part of Girls in Science & Engineering Day at the Intrepid Museum. This is a family-focused event with a special focus on girls! Pre-register for free access to the museum and event.
On Saturday March 21 8:30am-12:45pm, we will participate in the annual Rockland Girls Rock STEAM as part of their community connections session. This event is for girls grades 5-8. Participants must pre-register.
Sunday March 29 11am-3pm is the Rockland YouthFest at Rockland Community College, a free, fun, family-friendly event!
Summer 2026 Pre-College Program
Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains (July 5-17, 2026) is a two-week, campus-based program in Vermont that empowers high school students to take action on climate change through hands-on learning and community impact.
The program offers need-based scholarships to support high school students in attending this two-week climate leadership program. Scholarship applications are due March 15. Apply Today!
Register for the March 19 virtual information session, or apply now to join a community of young changemakers creating solutions for a sustainable future in the Green Mountains Program!
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 March 11, 4-4:30pm ET, join us for Biodiversity Finance 101. In this session, Leilani Salas and Turner Watkins from the Columbia University Biodiversity Club explore how biodiversity risk is rapidly reshaping investment strategies, regulatory frameworks, and corporate governance. Learn how capital can accelerate—and benefit from—biodiversity restoration. RSVP today (free but registration required)!
Lamont in the Media (Select Stories)
What's Up With New York’s Bad Air Quality This Week?
New York Times
Seas to Rise Around the World — but Not in Greenland
Yale Environment 360
Earth Is Missing a Billion Years of History. We Finally Know Why
ZME Science
The Woman Who Mapped the Atlantic from Her Living Room
The Observer
‘What Are We Doing Here?’ The Polymaths Who Searched for the Meaning of Life
Nature
We Tested Those Gross Piles of Snow on NYC's Sidewalks. Here’s What We Found.
Gothamist
The Cataclysmic Flood that Wasn’t
Knowable Magazine
Africa Is Drying Up, and It’s Tearing the Continent in Two—Literally
Popular Mechanics
The Trip that Opened Antarctica to Tourists — 60 Years on, Was It a Mistake?
The Independent
Dinosaurs Survived a Boiling Planet for Millions of Years but Scientists Say Humans May Not
The Daily Galaxy
Interview: Dr. Dorothy Peteet, Senior Research Scientist
TRVST
