State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Earth’s mantle

  • Explorer of Deep Earth Wins Vetlesen Prize

    Explorer of Deep Earth Wins Vetlesen Prize

    Using sophisticated equipment, David Kohlstedt has recreated the pressure, temperature and chemical conditions in the Earth’s mantle, which humans cannot observe directly. His findings have laid the basis for understanding many of the processes that drive the planet’s dynamics.

  • Quantum Phase Transition Is Detected on a Global Scale in the Deep Earth

    Quantum Phase Transition Is Detected on a Global Scale in the Deep Earth

    Scientists have observed and learned to use subatomic phenomena on the earth’s surface. Now, for the first time, they can see similar things deep within the planet.

  • Rock Samples Indicate Water is Key Ingredient for Crust Formation

    Rock Samples Indicate Water is Key Ingredient for Crust Formation

    By examining the cooling rate of rocks that formed more than 10 miles beneath the Earth’s surface, scientists led by The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences have found that water probably penetrates deep into the crust and upper mantle at mid-ocean spreading zones, the places where new crust is made.

  • Southern Flavor in the Arctic

    Rocks Under the Northern Ocean are Found to Resemble Ones Far South

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

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! RSVP Today!

  • Explorer of Deep Earth Wins Vetlesen Prize

    Explorer of Deep Earth Wins Vetlesen Prize

    Using sophisticated equipment, David Kohlstedt has recreated the pressure, temperature and chemical conditions in the Earth’s mantle, which humans cannot observe directly. His findings have laid the basis for understanding many of the processes that drive the planet’s dynamics.

  • Quantum Phase Transition Is Detected on a Global Scale in the Deep Earth

    Quantum Phase Transition Is Detected on a Global Scale in the Deep Earth

    Scientists have observed and learned to use subatomic phenomena on the earth’s surface. Now, for the first time, they can see similar things deep within the planet.

  • Rock Samples Indicate Water is Key Ingredient for Crust Formation

    Rock Samples Indicate Water is Key Ingredient for Crust Formation

    By examining the cooling rate of rocks that formed more than 10 miles beneath the Earth’s surface, scientists led by The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences have found that water probably penetrates deep into the crust and upper mantle at mid-ocean spreading zones, the places where new crust is made.

  • Southern Flavor in the Arctic

    Rocks Under the Northern Ocean are Found to Resemble Ones Far South