State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

South China Sea Tectonics

  • The Story at the Bottom of the South China Sea

    The Story at the Bottom of the South China Sea

    We have drilled 2,600 feet below the sea floor and in another 500 feet, will reach the crystalline igneous basalt of the ocean crust. Though finding the age of the basalt is our main aim, the thick sediments that overly the crust also have a story to tell.

  • Drilling Deep into the South China Sea’s Past

    Drilling Deep into the South China Sea’s Past

    The J.R. has set sail from Hong Kong. Trevor Williams explains what his research team hopes to accomplish.

Banner with collage of ecosystems and the Empire State Building with text "Climate Week NYC: Columbia Climate School."

Columbia Climate School is bringing bold ideas, leading experts, and groundbreaking research to Climate Week NYC. Explore our events, stories, and updates as we help shape the conversation on climate action across New York City.

  • The Story at the Bottom of the South China Sea

    The Story at the Bottom of the South China Sea

    We have drilled 2,600 feet below the sea floor and in another 500 feet, will reach the crystalline igneous basalt of the ocean crust. Though finding the age of the basalt is our main aim, the thick sediments that overly the crust also have a story to tell.

  • Drilling Deep into the South China Sea’s Past

    Drilling Deep into the South China Sea’s Past

    The J.R. has set sail from Hong Kong. Trevor Williams explains what his research team hopes to accomplish.