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.

Colorful banner image over Earth with text "Open House Discover Science, October 19, 2024, 10am to 4pm

Join us on Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House! Celebrate 75 years of science with us at our beautiful Palisades, NY campus. The event is free and open to everyone, with a suggested $5 donation. Learn More and RSVP

  • 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.