LDEO July 2026 Newsletter: Earth & Environmental Science News
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Mapping a Revolution
After decades of work that included publication of a series of sea-floor maps with the National Geographic Society, in 1977, Marie Tharp and Bruce Heezen published the first map of the entire world's ocean floor, and this became the iconic map that hangs on university walls throughout the world. "I think our maps contributed to a revolution in geological thinking, which in some ways compares to the Copernican revolution. Scientists and the general public got their first relatively realistic image of a vast part of the planet that they could never see. The maps received wide coverage and were widely circulated. They brought the theory of continental drift within the realm of rational speculation. You could see the worldwide mid-ocean ridge and you could see that it coincided with earthquakes. The borders of the plates took shape, leading rapidly to the more comprehensive theory of plate tectonics." —Marie Tharp, "Connect the Dots: Mapping the Seafloor and Discovering the Mid-ocean Ridge," Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia: Twelve Perspectives on the First Fifty Years 1949-1999
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.
Geologist Folarin Kolawole Receives 2026 National Geographic Wayfinder Award
Folarin Kolawole is one of 15 recipients of this year's National Geographic Society’s Wayfinder Award, which recognizes people whose work is expanding our understanding of the planet and helping to protect its future.
New Research Indicates That in the Future, Trees May Store Less Carbon Than Expected
Even as trees photosynthesize late into the year, their growth stops by mid-summer, which impacts their carbon uptake.
Carbon Dioxide and Water Played Key Roles in Historic Mount Etna Eruptions
Understanding these dynamics can help geologists assess the risk of future eruptions.
June Research Roundup: Select Papers
In this month's edition of our research roundup, we highlight a new study on African air pollution; deep Earth carbon recycling; and a Pacific cooling mystery.
Life Aboard the Langseth: A Q&A With Chief Science Officer Cody Bahlau
On Columbia’s global research vessel, the R/V Marcus G. Langseth, Bahlau serves as the key link between scientists, crewmembers, and operations on shore.
World Oceans Day Reimagines Our Relationship With the Water Around Us
In honor of this annual U.N. event, we are highlighting our coverage of ocean research and education initiatives at the Columbia Climate School and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
How 'Undone Science' Shaped Chile’s Glacier Protection Battle
A new study examines how "undone science" has shaped the conflict between mining and glacier conservation in Chile over the past two decades.
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 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!
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.
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. Just photograph human-made litter like plastic, metal, and textiles in waterways and share them on the MyCoast app. View instructions (PDF).
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
Please visit us this summer! We are located at 200 Ferry Road, Piermont, NY at the eastern end of Rockland County's Piermont Pier. We are open for the summer with drop-in hours, community science programs, and our weekly Science Saturday events! Summer hours: Monday 9:30am-4:30pm, Tuesday through Friday 10am-6pm, Science Saturday 12-4pm, and closed Sunday.
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.
Community Science Dates for July!
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.
July 14 4pm: Birding
July 16 4pm: Water Quality
July 23 4pm: Microplastics
July 28 4pm: Marine Debris
July 29 4pm: Birding
To let us know you plan to attend or for questions about our Summer Community Science Activities, contact Sarah Ortiz.
Saturdays Are Community Days!
Join us every Saturday 12-4pm during summer for our free, drop-in Science Saturdays! You’ll learn about the Hudson Estuary, get an opportunity to interact with the abundant wildlife that calls the Hudson home through seining, and participate in interactive environmental activities!
Upcoming Science Saturday themes are:
July 18: Microplastics Madness
July 25: Hudson River Maritime History
Our themes this month emphasize that July is Plastic Free Month. Follow our Field Station's Instagram @ldeo_fieldstation to see what our interns and staff are doing to address this important topic, and also for the most up-to-date information about Science Saturdays!
World Fish Migration Day
On May 30, we celebrated World Fish Migration Day around the estuary, pulling nets and dropping in a rod and reel in 14 different locations, bringing together the public with the many different fish and small marine species that we collected. Overall, we engaged nearly 1,000 people as we pulled in 387 fish across 21 different species, and 688 other marine species including crabs, mussels, whelk, shrimp, and more. New this year in our net were 2 small Atlantic pollock (or harbor pollock), a cold-water cod that was probably ‘following the food’! These fish are not found often in the Hudson, so this was a nice addition, bringing our list to 51 total species caught over the history of this event. See for yourself what we caught!
Education
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.
Stay tuned to Columbia Climate School’s Instagram to see how our community of young changemakers is creating solutions for a sustainable future in this summer’s 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!
While Climate LIVE K12 is on summer break, check out our YouTube archive of all past workshops.
Lamont in the Media (Select Stories)
A Quiet Quantum Revolution in Earth’s Deep Interior
Eos
A Snapshot of Continental Crust in the Making
Eos
Trees May Store Less Planet-Heating Carbon than Hoped, Study Suggests
The Guardian
Trees Hold Secrets to Past Weather and Climate. These Photos Show How
USA Today
Researchers Study Cook Islands' Geological History to Predict Future Sea Level Rise
Radio New Zealand
Scientists Exploring in Southern Cook Islands to Understand Sea Level Changes Over Time
Cook Island Television News
Columbia University Discoveries in 2025-26 to Know About
Columbia News
Recent Assessment of California’s Water Misallocation Is the First Step Toward Justice
Los Angeles Times
Why Trump’s Algae Problem Is Much Bigger than the Reflecting Pool
The Washington Post
