Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory to host annual open house

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, which is marking its 75th anniversary this year, is hosting its annual open house on Oct. 19.

The popular event is geared toward both aspiring young scientists and long-time science enthusiasts. The day includes lab tours, hands-on earth science activities with Lamont scientists, and presentations by world-renowned researchers about their latest discoveries.

Attendees learn about current developments in the earth sciences, and about how our increasing understanding of the Earth helps preserve its future. Exhibits are aimed at different ages and educational levels, from elementary school-age children to college students to those well-versed in the earth sciences.

Most activities will be held outside, and the event is held rain or shine. Activities are under tents, but may be on grass instead of pavement. Attendees are encouraged to bring an umbrella and/or raincoat for moving between the tents and buildings.

Lamont, which is part of Columbia University’s Climate School, is recognized as a global leader in the earth sciences. Its scientists were the first to map the ocean floor, develop a computer model that could predict an El Niño weather event, and reveal the role the oceans play in triggering climate change.

Researchers at Lamont were also the first to provide concrete proof for the theory of plate tectonics, which explains how large land masses are created by the Earth's subterranean movements.

Jacob Tielke of the rock mechanics lab inspects an “earth cake” representing an oceanic tectonic plate (left) subducting underneath a continental plate. Cake created by lab head (and expert baker) Christine McCarthy. Photo: Kevin Krajick

The campus was established in 1949 as the Lamont Geological Observatory, named after Thomas W. Lamont (1870-1948), an alumna of Columbia University who donated his estate to the university at his death.

In 1969, the observatory’s name was changed in honor of a large donation from the Henry L. and Grace Doherty Charitable Foundation. In 1993, its name was again changed to reflect the observatory's growing scope of expertise.

If you go

• The open house runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. The event is well-attended and registration is encouraged. Admission is free, with a $5 suggested donation.

• Visit openhouse.ldeo.columbia.edu/content/exhibits for a list of exhibits, activities and tours.

• Visit openhouse.ldeo.columbia.edu/content/lectures-open-house for the lecture schedule.

• Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles with them. The 9W Market will be on campus offering food and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.

• Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory is located at 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964.
  

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.