Earth Fundamentals
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At a Melting Glacier, a Landslide, Then Tsunami, Signal Climate-Related Threat
A peculiar seismic signal was the first indication of a gigantic landslide and subsequent tsunami in the remote mountains of British Columbia. It detected what may be a growing climate-related threat.
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Solar Energy Explains Fast Yearly Retreat of Southern Ocean Sea Ice
Sea ice in the Southern Ocean retreats each year much faster than it develops. This has puzzled scientists, but the explanation turns out to be simple.
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How Does a Major Subduction Zone Get Started? It May Begin Small.
A study of an emerging zone off New Zealand suggests that the process, vital for life on Earth, may at first be localized and then develop into something much larger.
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Megadrought in Southwest Is Now the Worst in at Least 1,200 Years, Study Confirms
The continuation of dry conditions across a wide region has broken records going back to the year 800. Researchers believe climate change is largely to blame.
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Return of the R/V Pelican to Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The expedition discovered stresses along an underwater plate boundary and a record of historic and pre-historic earthquakes, which will shed light on the geohazard risks for Jamaica and Haiti.
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Study of West Antarctica’s Deep Past Reinforces Vulnerability to Melting
The continent’s western ice sheet turns out to once have been much bigger than previously thought. This implies that the now smaller version could waste quickly.
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Making Up for Lost Time: Earth and Climate Scientists Get Back Out Into the Field
Lamont’s field season typically sees as many as 50 to 60 expeditions, which take researchers to all corners of the globe. As pandemic restrictions begin to lift, teams are picking up where they left off.
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Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory: Milestones in Climate Science
Much of the modern understanding of climate change is underpinned by pioneering studies done at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Here’s a timeline of significant studies.
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New Study Helps to Explain ‘Silent Earthquakes’ Along New Zealand’s North Island
Underwater mountains may help to dampen movements along faults that otherwise have the potential to generate large earthquakes.
COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More
