News from the Columbia Climate School

Earthquakes

Earthquakes — sudden, often powerful shifts in the Earth’s crust — are natural phenomena caused by the movement of tectonic plates. These movements release energy, creating seismic waves that can lead to significant destruction, including collapsed buildings, landslides and tsunamis. Earthquakes pose a threat to communities around the world, especially those located near fault lines. Current scientific research focuses on improving early warning systems, understanding earthquake triggers, and exploring the connections between seismic activity and human actions like fracking and groundwater extraction. Preparing for earthquakes requires robust infrastructure and community preparedness to minimize the loss of life and property.

In The Media

Earthquake 2,500 years ago could have changed Ganga’s course abruptly, finds study
Press Trust of India | June 17, 2025
Article on research coauthored by Lamont scientist Michael Steckler
Earthquakes Can Abruptly Change Course Of Large Rivers
Mirage News (Australia) | June 17, 2025
Article on research coauthored by Lamont scientist Michael Steckler
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled NJ on April 5, 2024. What we've learned since
Bergen Record | April 6, 2025
That is unusual, as were the high number of aftershocks — more than 200 — according to findings by the Columbia Climate School’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. … High Bridge, NJ -- April 11, 2024 -- Assistant Professor of Structural Geology Folarin 'Fola' Kolawole and his staff from the Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory does fieldwork near the epicenter looking for clues of the impact of last Friday's 4.8 magnitude earthquake. Here Prof.