Earth Sciences
-

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.
-

Interactive: The Heezen–Tharp World Ocean Floor Map
Explore Marie Tharp’s groundbreaking 1977 World Ocean Floor map and discover how it transformed our understanding of the Earth.
-

From Marie Tharp to Seabed 2030: Marine Geophysicist Vicki Ferrini on Mapping the Ocean Floor
In honor of Tharp’s birthday, Ferrini discusses the geologist’s pioneering work and how it paved the way for her own collaborative efforts to map the ocean floor.
-

Climate Scientist Marco Tedesco Examines What Responsible AI Could Look Like
The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory researcher is helping launch an AI working group to explore how AI can support climate research without undermining ethics, equity or scientific judgment.
-

Study Reveals How Gas Bubbles Shaped Kīlauea’s 2018 Lava Flow
New research shows that gas bubbles played a central role in controlling how fast and far the lava traveled, and that lava flow models need to account for bubbles to more accurately forecast where lava will stop.
-

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.
-

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.
-

Carbon Dioxide and Water Played Key Roles in Historic Mount Etna Eruptions
Understanding these dynamics can help geologists assess the risk of future eruptions.
-

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.

You Asked invites you to share your most pressing questions about climate, science, and sustainability. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School experts will respond with clear, evidence-based answers. Pose your questions and story ideas!
