1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LAMONT-DOHERTY EARTH OBSERVATORY IS RENOWNED IN THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY

for its success and innovation in advancing understanding of Earth, for its unique geological and

climatological archives and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and for the outstanding achievement of

its graduates. Observatory scientists observe Earth on a global scale, from its deepest interior to the

outer reaches of its atmosphere, on every continent and in every ocean. They decipher the long record Voyagers on the stern of the U.S. icebreaker Nathaniel B. of the past, monitor the present, and seek to foresee Earth’s future. From global climate change to Palmer look northward to the sun peeking over a tabular earthquakes, volcanoes, nonrenewable resources, environmental hazards and beyond, the Observatory’s iceberg, as the research vessel cuts through sea ice fundamental challenge is to provide a rational basis for the difficult choices faced by humankind in the and heads toward Antarctica. Aboard the Palmer to collect samples of Southern Ocean stewardship of this fragile planet. seawater for geochemical analyses was Dee Breger, G. Michael Purdy who operated the scanning electron microscope facility at Director, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Lamont-Doherty for decades. Breger, whose photography of the microscopic world has been widely acclaimed, cap- tured this macroscopic view.

2 Letter from the Director 3 Letter from the Director of The Earth Institute 4 Biology and Paleo Environment 8 Geochemistry 12 Marine Geology and Geophysics 16 Ocean and Climate Physics 20 Seismology, Geology and Tectonophysics 24 Office of Marine Affairs 28 Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences 34 Focused Initiative: Borehole Research Group 36 Focused Initiative: Remote Sensing 38 Focused Initiative: Data Management for the Geosciences 40 Special Events and Awards 44 Development 46 Lamont-Doherty Alumni Association 48 Administration 50 Staff Listings 56 Marie Tharp

1. A low-pressure system off the coast of Greenland. 1 6 2. Detail of 'Desolation Canyon' in Utah. Credit NASA 2 3. Lightening in Southeast Arizona 5 4. Volcanic activity in Hawaii National Park 3 5. Underwater sands in the Bahamas. Credit NASA 4 6. Sun scorched earth in India.

Photo courtesy of Dee Breger, Drexel University 2 3 LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE EARTH INSTITUTE

“We all share one goal: to understand the Earth, “Lamont’s recruitment of world-class scientists upholds and in so doing, to benefit humankind.” the long tradition of consummate, unsurpassed expertise in earth sciences.”

WE HAVE EXPERIENCED GREAT SUCCESS OVER THE TWO YEARS SINCE WE THIS HAS BEEN A MARVELOUS TWO YEARS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT BY THE published the first in this new series of biennial reports for the Observatory. Our core scientists of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. After reading this biennial activity, of course, is understanding the Earth, and we have made notable advances report, you will agree that, under the dynamic leadership of Dr. G. Michael Purdy, the in our understanding of climate, earthquake dynamics, river processes, and many Observatory’s expert research staff has made many leaps forward in our fundamental other areas of Earth research—just a small number of which you will find described understanding of Earth processes across all the major disciplines. These include the in this all-too-brief overview. reconstruction of a history of drought over the last 2000 years from tree-ring Our Tree-Ring Laboratory has taken on a five-year challenge to unravel the records, retrospective prediction of El Niño over the last 148 years, new advances mysteries of the Asian monsoon with a landmark grant from the National Science in our understanding of tectonics, and the acquisition of a new research vessel that Foundation. We have developed important new facilities, including the expansion of will surpass our current ability to use acoustic and seismic technologies to better the Borehole Research Group to serve the newly established international Integrated understand Earth processes. In addition, Lamont’s recruitment of world-class scientists Ocean Drilling Program and the very recent acquisition of a new research vessel to upholds the long tradition of consummate, unsurpassed expertise in earth sciences. replace R/V Maurice Ewing in 2006. These are just two examples of Observatory I am also thrilled by the growing linkages between researchers at the Observatory facilities that have significant impact not just on Lamont-Doherty researchers, but and elsewhere in the Earth Institute. The other Earth Institute research units at the also on the international research community. As it always has throughout its Lamont-Doherty campus—the International Research Institute for Climate Prediction illustrious history, Lamont-Doherty continues to play a vital role at the vanguard of (IRI), the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), the global efforts to study our planet. Center for Hazards and Risk Research, the Center for Rivers and Estuaries, the We have made major investments in our future by attracting a substantial new Center for Nonlinear Earth Systems, and the Tropical Agriculture Program—have group of research staff and faculty from other universities and institutions to join our especially benefited from an exchange of knowledge and collaboration made possible team in its quest to build the pre-eminent multidisciplinary earth science research by their presence on the Lamont campus. center in the world. A notable example is the World Bank-sponsored Natural Disaster Hotspots Naturally we are not without challenges. There have been setbacks and there program, which involves scientists from Lamont-Doherty, IRI and CIESIN. As these will continue to be significant barriers to be overcome as we build this great academic relationships develop and mature, we continue to see the deep intellectual institution within the maturing construct of Columbia’s Earth Institute. But as benefits in fostering truly innovative new ways to address complex problems in earth carbon dioxide concentrations continue to build in our atmosphere, as populations and environmental sciences and to develop practicable solutions to meet the increase concentrations in coastal areas, as developing nations battle disease and challenges of achieving sustainable development. malnutrition, and as water supplies are stressed to meet the increasing demands The Earth Institute and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory have continued of the developing world, global decision-makers increasingly will turn to earth to foster stronger connections as well between the Observatory campus and scientists for ideas and solutions. I sense a slow but heartening growth in public Columbia’s Morningside Heights and Health Sciences campuses, in particular understanding of the direct relevance that earth science plays in their lives. Our efforts at all levels of education through education programs. A new M.A. degree in Climate and Society is the most recent example, with are critical to maintain this trend—from our ever-popular October Open House to our prestigious Ph.D. program. research scientists at the Observatory and the IRI launching an educational program to train a new generation of I hope you enjoy reading this report and the tremendous diversity in intellectual pursuits and research topics, professionals well-versed in the application of climate forecast information to critical decisions involving water the global reach of our research efforts, and the vast array of research approaches—from real-time observations resources, health, and agriculture. The Ph.D. degree in Sustainable Development is another new educational to laboratory experimentation and theoretical computer modeling. Through all this, do not lose sight of the fact program that relies on the scientific leadership of Observatory scientists as we strive to train social scientists in that we all share one goal: to understand the Earth, and in so doing, to benefit humankind. The importance the natural sciences that underpin sustainable development. of this goal is gradually being realized. In human history, its priority has never been higher. I hope you will This is truly an auspicious time for the Observatory, and thus, for the Earth Institute as a whole. I am deeply appreciate the essential role that the Observatory is playing in this mighty endeavor. grateful for the work of our colleagues at Lamont-Doherty, and know that I speak for the entire Earth Institute community when I congratulate the Observatory for its continued excellence.

G. Michael Purdy Director Jeffrey D. Sachs Director, The Earth Institute at Columbia University

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University

4 5 BIOLOGY AND PALEO ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGY AND PALEO ENVIRONMENT

Eddies: The ocean, like the Analyzing all the data they collected, the team All organisms are products of the environment in which summarized its findings in an article published in 2003 atmosphere, has “weather” in Deep-Sea Research. The researchers found that they exist, or existed. They influence their surrounding surface waters in the center of the eddy were cooler, IN OUR ATMOSPHERE, SWIRLING HIGH- AND saltier, and denser than waters outside the eddy. The environment, and they are influenced by it. low-pressure air masses form and interact in a interior waters were also full of nutrients and lush with fast-paced dynamic that generates our ever-shifting phytoplankton, the microscopic plants that form the weather. But a similar phenomenon also creates base of the marine food chain. “weather” in our planet’s other fluid environment, The research showed that, just as atmospheric the oceans. And just as atmospheric weather has cyclones draw air upward in their centers, eddies pump profound impacts on those living on the Earth, so up deep water, containing essential nutrients for does “ocean weather.” phytoplankton, to the sunlit sea surface. That combines In 2000, strong winds surged in the gap between all the ingredients (along with carbon from carbon Maui and Hawaii, driving sea surface waters westward The Biology and Paleo Environment To conduct this research, B&PE scientists turn to dioxide in the atmosphere and ocean) on Hawaii’s leeward side. Earth’s rotation added its Division (B&PE) comprises a diverse the Observatory’s world-class collections of deep-sea that are needed for photosynthesis. And just as atmospheric spin, and together, these forces created a cyclonic range of scientists—oceanographers, sediments, tree rings, and coral reef samples. Cores of The result is a hot spot for rapid growth weather has profound impacts spiral of seawater, 50 to 150 kilometers in diameter, geochemists, biologists, and environ- deep-sea sediments contain remnants of ancient of phytoplankton. within the overall ocean circulation—a phenomenon on those living on the Earth, so mental scientists—whose research is microscopic marine life that continually rain down to Large “blooms” of phytoplankton known as an eddy. linked by two connected efforts: and pile up on the ocean bottom. They are like tape draw large amounts of carbon dioxide does “ocean” weather. Exploiting the easy access from Hawaii, Lamont- They seek to understand how today’s recordings providing scientists with a chronological from the atmosphere, and when the Doherty scientist Robert Vaillancourt, along with environment, through its oceans, archive of oceanic conditions reaching several million phytoplankton die or are eaten, large amounts of organic a multi-institutional team of researchers, deployed atmosphere, and land, affects pres- years into Earth’s history. carbon sink to the seafloor. Thus, eddies—a common a variety of instruments to make a wide range of ent-day life on Earth, and they use Dendrochronologists in our Tree-Ring Laboratory feature throughout the world’s oceans—may play a measurements of the eddy, which, like atmospheric evidence from past life on Earth analyze the widths of annual growth rings in long-lived significant role in taking up heat-trapping carbon dioxide cyclones, was given a name: Haulani. (fossils) to learn about the history of trees, which reflect temperature and precipitation from the atmosphere and sequestering it in the deep. Earth’s past (paleo) environment. experienced during a growing season. These studies In a world of global warming, that makes eddies an All organisms are products of provide accurate and detailed records, stretching back important phenomenon to understand. the environment in which they exist, several hundred years, of past climate in particular or existed. They influence their locations. Like trees, corals also have growth rings, surrounding environment, and they and scientists analyze them to extend records of are influenced by it. Organisms are climate into times before humans began to have such shaped by a variety of factors, ranging a large impact on the environment. from temperatures and the availability And while paleo-oceanographers and geologists of water, nutrients, and light to chem- sift clues from Earth’s past, other B&PE scientists ical or physical changes that stress monitor the converse: They examine how present- the natural system. Changes in the day marine plankton, trees, and other organisms are environment are reflected in the responding to changing environmental conditions. In John Marra organisms. By studying organisms preserved particular, they are investigating changes in the amount Doherty Senior Scholar, during ancient times, scientists can reconstruct a of solar radiation reaching our planet. Solar variability Associate Director, Biology and Paleo picture of how Earth’s climate system behaved in may be partly or entirely linked to warm-cold oscilla- Environment Division the past, shedding light on how the climate system tions in Earth’s climates, such as the Medieval Credit: Bruce Gilbert works and how it may change in the future. Warming Period (about 800 to 1200 A.D.) and the Little Ice Age (about 1300 to 1890 A.D.), and it is highly likely to trigger similar climate shifts in the future. The three projects that follow offer recent An image from the GOES-10 satellite of sea examples of B&PE research. surface temperatures on Nov. 17, 2000, shows a cyclonic spiral of seawater, or eddy, 50 to 150 kilometers in diameter west of the Hawaiian Islands. The swirling eddy draws up cooler (bluer) waters from the depths, which contain nutrients that fuel the growth of blooms of phytoplankton.

Credit: R.D. Vaillancourt, J. Marra, M.P. Seki, M.L. Parson, and R.R. Bidigare. “Impact of a Cyclonic Eddy on Phytoplankton Community Structure and Photosynthetic Competency in the Subtropical North Pacific Ocean” in Deep-Sea Research I 50 (2003).

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 6 7 BIOLOGY AND PALEO ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGY AND PALEO ENVIRONMENT

The brown haze near the An estimated 50 million people in Bangladesh have The team found that wells with high and low horizon in the skies over been chronically exposed to arsenic, and similarly arsenic levels were interspersed across the landscape. Manhattan is caused by a buildup of man-made parti- affected groundwater wells have been installed in Within the same village, a household with a safe well cles. The phenomenon, called Vietnam, India, and other South Asian river delta areas. would often have a less fortunate neighbor meters global dimming, scatters incoming solar radiation back To address this health hazard of massive proportion, away whose well tapped into high-arsenic ground- into space, with ramifications scientists and students from three of Lamont-Doherty water. The team found that only half the households for Earth’s future climate. Earth Observatory’s divisions (Biology and Paleo within the test area owned a safe well, though 90 Credit: Philip Stier Environment, Geochemistry, and Marine Geology and percent of the people in the area lived within 100 Geophysics) teamed up with colleagues from meters of a safe well. Bangladesh and Columbia’s Mailman School of Public The findings posed a problem: It meant that every Health, and later with social scientists from Columbia’s well, not just a few, had to be tested in an area to ensure School of International and Public Affairs. The team, all the wells’ safety. But they also offered a solution: spearheaded by Lamont-Doherty geochemist Lex van The team’s observations bore out van Geen’s prediction Global dimming: Will Earth be Industrially produced aerosols are different from Geen, began to fan out in early 2000 to test more (which initially was widely questioned inside and out- those that form naturally. They condense water into than 6,000 wells over a 25-square-kilometer area in side Bangladesh) that communities could mitigate the drier and cloudier in the future? smaller, less dense cloud droplets that are less likely Bangladesh, and geo-referenced the data set with arsenic crisis by sharing existing nearby wells that are to sink as rain. That counteracts the effects of global handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. safe, a concept the team coined “well switching.” AS THE EARTH WARMS, IT ALSO MAY BE GROWING warming, which increases evaporation and precipita- Lamont-Doherty scientists have gone on to inves- dimmer, according to new research by Lamont- tion, and could lead to a drier world in the future. tigate the geological factors that affect arsenic levels in Doherty scientist Beate Liepert. Analyzing data “These new ideas on the effects of aerosols open groundwater, finding that deeper wells may prove safe. collected over four decades by a worldwide network of up many new avenues to explore in the climate change They are also exploring hydrological and geochemical monitoring stations, Liepert determined that the debate,” Liepert said. factors that mobilize arsenic into groundwater. amount of solar radiation reaching Earth’s surface has Careful isotopic dating of groundwater by a declined by 4 percent (1.3 percent per Lamont-Doherty team led by Martin Stute has cast …the amount of solar radiation decade) between 1961 and 1990. Arsenic poisoning: LDEO doubt on a controversial study suggesting that irrigation enhances the release of arsenic, naturally contained in reaching Earth’s surface has The phenomenon, called “global mobilizes to curtail a huge dimming,” is an important and previous- rock or soil, to groundwater. The study showed that, if Doherty Senior Scientist declined by 4 percent (1.3 health hazard anything, recharging of aquifers enhanced by irrigation Lex van Geen holds a needle ly unrealized factor affecting future cli- sampler used to test arsenic percent per decade) between mate. It both increases and mitigates is more likely to reduce arsenic levels in shallow wells. levels in groundwater in global warming. It could lead to a future AN UNUSUAL TEAM OF EARTH SCIENTISTS AND Another recent Lamont-Doherty study has shown Bangldesh. Van Geen has 1961 and 1990. that while irrigation with arsenic-containing ground- led studies to find effective world that not only is warmer, but also health scientists from Columbia University has com- ways to curtail the widespread has less sunshine and rainfall. bined to find ways to alleviate what has been called the water does raise arsenic levels in paddy soil, this use of wells containing the Like global warming, global dimming is likely caused largest case of mass poisoning in human history. does not lead to significant arsenic accumulation in toxic element. The health rice grains and therefore does not increase arsenic hazard threatens tens of by human activities, which—along with heat-trapping Until the 1970s, about 250,000 people in millions of people, especially greenhouse gases—have sent a surfeit of soot and Bangladesh died each year by drinking water contam- exposure to people. in developing countries in Asia. other air pollutants into the atmosphere. Some of inated with deadly disease-causing microbes. The Credit: Brian Mailloux these man-made particles scatter sunlight back into Bangladeshi government and aid agencies encouraged space, reducing the amount of solar radiation hitting rural households to dig millions of inexpensive, hand- Earth’s surface. Other particles absorb solar energy, pumped tube wells, shifting water consumption in heating up the atmosphere, but not the surface of the poor, rural areas from tainted surface water to ground- Earth itself, Liepert explained. If these aerosol particu- water free of microbial pathogens. lates were not reflecting some radiation away, Earth’s Today some 12 million wells supply 97 percent surface temperatures would be rising even faster or of the drinking water to more than 130 million higher than they are. people in Bangladesh. The well-intentioned campaign Aerosol particles also play a critical climate- contributed to a dramatic reduction of deaths from influencing role in another way: Water condenses waterborne infectious disease, but it also had around them, initiating the formation of clouds. This unintended consequences. A large percentage of the process, combined with a warmer atmosphere that groundwater supplies were later found to contain can hold more water vapor, has led to an observed elevated levels of arsenic, an odorless, tasteless, An image from the IKONOS satellite (top panel) shows locations of individual wells used to thickening of Earth’s cloud cover. Clouds can either colorless—and toxic—element. supply water to a village in Bangladesh. Red dots are shallow wells that contained high lev- trap solar radiation (leading to more warming) or reflect The 1980s and 1990s saw a rise in the number of more of it back into space (resulting in less heat and cases of arsenicosis—a combination of debilitating els of arsenic; blue dots are deeper wells that contained lower levels of the toxic element. light on Earth’s surface). skin lesions, skin and internal cancers, diabetes, and The large blue dot in both panels is a recently installed deep communal well to provide safe vascular disease caused by arsenic poisoning. Past drinking and cooking water.

exposure to arsenic is likely to double the number of Credit: spaceimaging.com cancer deaths in Bangladesh in the coming decades.

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 8 9 GEOCHEMISTRY GEOCHEMISTRY

Recently, the purview of our work has expanded, HIGH OBLIQUITYLOW OBLIQUITY [left] During periods of high obliquity, when Mars’ axis of rotation is tipped axis of rotation more toward the sun, solar energy is spread more uniformly over the planet, delving to greater depths…and soaring to new heights. thin seasonal ice cap thick perennial ice cap mostly CO2 limits of H2O and polar ice caps melt. ground ice [right] During periods of low obliquity, the poles become cold enough to

precipitate carbon dioxide (CO2 ) in Mars’ atmosphere, creating thick ice orbital plane no perennial caps made of solid CO2. The thick layers of solid CO2 insulate the crust, ice caps allowing CO2 at the base of the ice cap to melt. Pressure from the overlying

ice cap force the liquid CO2 back into the crust—effectively transferring CO2 from the atmosphere into the planet’s interior.

Credit: Mars precession and climate, after Kleffer and Zent (1992) Where did Mars’ atmosphere go? Now the second process, heat flow, would come Recycling material MARS’ UNUSUALLY THIN ATMOSPHERE (0.006 into play. Dry ice is a much better insulator than water deep within the Earth bars compared with the Earth’s 1.0 bar) has long mys- ice. Calculations show that only a kilometer of dry ice tified scientists. Geological evidence of running water (as opposed to 11 kilometers of water ice) is sufficient IN THE PAST HALF-CENTURY, EARTH SCIENTISTS on Mars’ surface had led scientists to speculate that to trap enough heat from the planet’s interior to melt have been able to relate dynamic processes occurring as much as 1 to 2 bars of carbon dioxide may have the growing dry-ice cap at its base. Aiding this process near Earth’s surface to processes deeper within the been present in Mars’ atmosphere 3 billion to 4 billion is the very low melting point of dry ice—about 60° C planet. Islands such as Hawaii in the Pacific and years ago—enough to produce sufficient greenhouse lower than that of water ice. Gough Island in the South Atlantic, for example, form warming to stabilize liquid water. Today, only a vestige The pressure of the overlying ice cap may drive from upwellings of material from deep within Earth’s (1 percent) of that atmosphere remains. liquid carbon dioxide at the ice cap’s base into the Associate Director and For decades Lamont-Doherty geochemists could mantle, called mantle plumes. At mid-ocean ridges, What happened to the rest of it? Lamont-Doherty porous Martian crust, forming a liquid carbon dioxide Doherty Senior Scholar proudly explain to colleagues, family, and friends aquifer that coexists with and acidifies the global water magma rising from Earth’s mantle spawns earth- Taro Takahashi (left) led geochemist John Longhi has been investigating a that members of our Division study chemical reac- quakes and volcanic eruptions that continually create the Geochemistry Division provocative theory that Mars’ atmosphere may have aquifer. Acidic groundwater may dissolve rock near the for 23 years. He stepped tions and use chemical tracers to investigate a poles, allowing more fluids to percolate into Mars’ new oceanic crust. down in 2004 to devote been transferred chemically to hidden reservoirs deep variety of naturally occurring processes in settings interior and subsequently flow toward the equator, Over millions of years, the oceanic crust spreads Lamont-Doherty geochemists time to scientific research. within the crust. Cornelia Class and Steven Associate Director and ranging from Earth’s mantle to the moon. Recently, where the carbon dioxide dissolved in water could outward until it cools and becomes dense enough to A combination of two disparate processes may Goldstein and colleagues Doherty Senior Scholar the purview of our work has expanded, delving to precipitate subsurface carbonate. In this way, over sink back down into the mantle (and sometimes as offer the first unambiguous Robert F. Anderson (right) account for this uniquely Martian loss of atmosphere. greater depths by examining reactions involving deep as the core-mantle boundary). This occurs at evidence that seafloor sedi- now heads the Division. geologic time, large quantities of gaseous carbon One process is rotational precession: Over thousands ments subducted into the Credit: Bruce Gilbert Earth’s core and soaring to new heights by propos- dioxide may have been transferred from Mars’ atmos- subduction zones, which are often associated with of years, Mars’ axis of rotation changes. At one extreme, deep mantle may be recycled ing novel theories about the polar ice caps on Mars. deep trenches on the seafloor. it rotates around an axis that is almost perpendicular phere into aquifers as liquid and into subsurface to Earth’s surface in islands Of course, Lamont geochemists continue to formed by mantle plumes to its orbital path (called periods of low obliquity). carbonate deposits as solid. study processes in all of the principal realms of the at hotspots. The telltale clue Thousands of years later, it rotates around an axis that To construct a framework for this theory, Longhi is the element cerium (Ce), Earth system: land, ocean, cryosphere, and atmos- slants nearly parallel to its orbital path (high obliquity). organized the poorly understood liquid-solid-gas whose signature the geo- phere. Given such a diversity of scientific endeavor, chemists “tracked” from During high obliquity, solar energy is spread fairly chemical interactions of water and carbon dioxide into it is difficult to cover all aspects of research within ocean sediments to volcanic evenly over the planet, and the polar ice caps, which a coherent grid of pressure and temperature. And rock in ocean islands. the Geochemistry Division in a single report. Here now are mainly frozen water, either melt or sublime using data from the Viking Lander, he has estimated we focus on research activities involving extremes Diagram modified from directly into water vapor. Some of this water is believed the limits at which water dissolves in carbon dioxide in the spatial spectrum of geochemical research, Katie Donnelly to sink down into Mars’ porous crust to recharge a liquid and gas under the unusual conditions of low with illustrations of work on extraterrestrial systems global aquifer. temperature (-60°C) and pressure (0.006 bars) found and deep within Earth’s interior. These examples During periods of low obliquity, the poles receive on the Martian surface. These interactions and solubility complement the studies of processes occurring little solar heat. They potentially could become cold limits provide the basis for predicting the temperatures at Earth’s surface described in the 2000-02 enough to precipitate much of Mars’ atmospheric at which water ice and carbon dioxide ice would con- biennial report. carbon dioxide into a solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) cap dense and the temperatures at which these two types several kilometers thick. of ice would melt at the base of the polar ice caps.

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 10 11 GEOCHEMISTRY GEOCHEMISTRY

[left] Conny Class Is Earth’s core leaking them from taking the trip farther down to the solid inner core. Instead, lighter metal oxides could float into the [right] Steve Goldstein material to the surface? mantle, where they could be recycled back to Earth’s Credit: Bruce Gilbert surface, bringing some metal from the core with them. LAMONT-DOHERTY PETROLOGIST DAVE WALKER Investigating such geochemical processes has has plunged even deeper than his above-mentioned been stifled by the extraordinary difficulty of experi- colleagues—investigating whether Earth’s core may be mentally reproducing conditions at the core-mantle leaking material all the way back to the planet’s surface. boundary, where temperatures reach 4,000°C Until recently, the border between Earth’s mantle and pressure surpasses 1 million bars (it’s 1 bar at and its underlying core seemed to be marked with Earth’s surface). Walker, however, has developed new “one-way” signs: Heavy materials could sink into the strategies to conduct experiments simulating core- core, but there was no apparent means for dense core mantle conditions. materials to rise out of it. But some rocks from mantle He places test materials into a cell between a pair plumes now seem to contain tantalizing chemical In the meantime, however, the ocean crust obtains ently from its rare earth cousins, such as lanthanum of diamond anvils that can reproduce core-boundary clues suggesting that some material in the rocks a veneer of sediments formed from material eroded and neodymium; it readily oxidizes in oxidizing environ- pressures without crumbling themselves. Lasers trans- originated in Earth’s core. from the continents and from accumulated skeletons of ments such as seawater and ocean sediments and mitted through the transparent diamonds reproduce Dave Walker The presence of life on Earth creates some unique Credit: Bruce Gilbert microscopic marine life that sink to the fractionates from the other rare earth elements. Thus, a core-level temperature. conditions, specifically an atmosphere full of oxygen, Lamont-Doherty geochemists bottom. By means of subduction, ocean relative deficiency of cerium compared with lanthanum To observe what happens to materials under these which reacts chemically with rocks on Earth’s surface. sediments are recycled back into the and neodymium in volcanic rocks is evidence that these conditions, Walker has used his apparatus in conjunc- offer finally unambiguous When old, cold, dense tectonic plates sink down into deep mantle. It is not yet constrained how rocks contain material, principally ocean sediments, tion with synchrotrons at Daresbury Lab in England Earth’s interior, they drag oxygen-rich rocks into evidence that ocean sediments deep they get subducted and to what that could have formed only on Earth’s oxygen-rich and the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley the oxygen-deficient mantle. That initiates chemical subducted into the mantle are extent they come back to Earth’s surface. surface. This distinctive chemical fingerprint, called a National Lab in California. Synchrotrons accelerate reactions to “reduce” the oxygen, creating more chem- Until now, all the evidence has been “negative cerium anomaly,” is preserved as material electrons around a large track at nearly the speed of recycled to Earth’s surface. ically stable metal oxide compounds. But until now, ambiguous. But new research by Lamont- descends into the mantle and again as it returns to the light to spin off thin X-ray beams directed at experi- little thought has been given to the potential for Doherty geochemists Cornelia Class surface via a mantle plume, the scientists say. mental material. Different chemical compounds, and oxidized material to cause chemical reactions at the and Steve Goldstein, along with Anton le Roex from The finding suggests that processes occurring different phases of them (solid or liquid), absorb X-rays core-mantle boundary. the University of Cape Town in South Africa, found unam- on the Earth’s surface affect the evolution of the with different efficiency, providing images that can Earth’s outer core is made of liquid metal. In theory, biguous evidence that ocean sediments subducted deep Earth. It re-emphasizes the importance of treat- identify the compounds—similar to the way bones and if oxygen reached this metallic ocean it should react into the mantle indeed return to Earth’s surface. ing the whole Earth, from core to atmosphere, as an soft tissue create light-and-dark X-ray images used chemically with the metals to form metal oxides (simi- Analyzing volcanic rocks from Gough Island, the integrated system. by doctors. lar to rust). These metal oxides are not as heavy as the scientists found they had unexpected low levels of Liquid iron will not chemically absorb oxygen at low metals themselves, which presumably would deter cerium, a rare earth element. Cerium behaves differ- pressure, but will it under high-pressure conditions? Using laser-heated diamond-anvil cells and synchro- tron-based X-ray absorptometric imaging, Walker is testing the nature of the liquid iron and oxygen interac- tion at high pressure. O c e a n M i d – These studies should make it possible to evaluate R i a d i n g d g e whether oxidized crust, subducted through the mantle p r e S Volcanic Island Chain and brought to the core, could then draw metal out of Island the core, which could rise to add a core flavoring to rocks The underlying “flow” of rocks in h Oceanic Plate at Earth’s surface. If so, life not only affects the chemistry c Earth’s mantle drives geological n e phenomena at Earth’s surface. r of Earth’s surface, it also has long-term consequences T Seamounts Hot, buoyant mantle rock rises a Island e for chemical cycles in the deep interior of our planet. s at mid-ocean ridges to form Arc - p new ocean crust that spreads e E e TL D N outward, cools over millions of MA ER 66 years, and eventually sinks back PP 0 kil U ome into the mantle at subduction ters dee zones. In some areas, narrow Older Plume p t Subduction ran plumes of mantle rocks erupt siti Zone on C at the surface to form volcanic E zo o TL ne nt islands and seamounts. AN in Lamont-Doherty geochemists Conny Class and Steve Goldstein are investigating whether en M t ER ocean sediments accumulated atop seafloor crust that is driven into the mantle in subduc- W New Plume — O L antle B ayer –m ou L tion zones—may be recycled back to the surface via volcanoes. Geochemist Dave Walker is re ndary Co investigating whether seafloor crust may be recycled all the way down to Earth’s core, pre- cipitating “leaks” of core material all the way back to Earth’s surface.

Subduction Credit: Jayne Doucette Zone

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 12 13 MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS

MG&G Division Administrator Success in obtaining these awards can be attributed to Sally Odland (left) and Administrative Assistant Felicia Taylor (right). the high regard the nation’s MG&G community has for Credit: Bruce Gilbert Lamont-Doherty’s experience and expertise in handling fundamental shipboard observations.

The Marine Geology and Geophysics The acquisition of a new MCS research vessel, the LDEO scientist finds new way Previous model estimates had indicated that a 36- Division (MG&G) comprises a diverse Western Legend, in 2004 is an important event for mile (60-kilometer) swath of megathrust, reaching and versatile group of scientists Lamont-Doherty scientists and for the broader nation- to locate areas most at risk for some 31 miles (50 kilometers) offshore of Vancouver whose primary mission is to under- al community. The new ship has a vastly increased large earthquakes Island, was locked. Nedimovic’s seismic reflection stand the nature and evolution of capacity for towing linear arrays of airguns to generate analysis, however, showed that the locked zone is more the ocean basins and margins. But sound energy. It will enable researchers to image LAMONT-DOHERTY GEOPHYSICIST MLADEN likely to be a 56-mile (90-kilometer) swath, extending many in MG&G have exported their seafloor and sub-seafloor strata with a resolution Nedimovic and his collaborators have found a new some 20 miles (30 kilometers) closer to land. techniques and expertise to address beyond reach a few years ago. means to more accurately predict the potential for If this interpretation is accurate, the Pacific Northwest scientific questions in terrestrial set- In 2003, the National Science Foundation megathrust earthquakes, the largest and most devas- region, including the populous cities of Seattle, Portland, tings. Today, MG&G researchers are announced that Lamont-Doherty, the Joint Oceano- tating earthquakes on Earth. and Vancouver, faces a greater threat from megathrust working from pole to pole in all graphic Institutions, Inc. in Washington, D.C., and Megathrusts are enormous faults found in areas earthquake hazards than previously predicted. The oceans of the world, on most of the Texas A&M University will operate the U.S. non-riser called subduction zones, where two of Earth’s tectonic occurrence rate for great earthquakes on the Cascadia continents, in rivers and lakes, and drilling vessel for the next 10 years for the Integrated plates meet in a head-on collision and one thrusts megathrust is approximately every 200 to 800 years. even on the exploration of other Ocean Drilling Project (IODP). NSF awarded the down and underneath the other. Rocks along deeper The last major earthquake beneath the Cascadia margin, planets and moons. Division’s Borehole Research Group, led by David portions of these megathrusts can be heated enough in 1700, was a magnitude-9 event that devastated New tools, some pioneered here Goldberg, the contract to provide downhole logging to become ductile and slide against each other without the region. at the Observatory, such as marine services for IODP. The Borehole Research Group has causing an earthquake. But in shallower and colder MultiChannel Seismic (MCS) Reflection led efforts to design and deploy new logging tools portions of megathrusts, the rocks are brittle and the techniques, now allow researchers to for use by the wider scientific community. These plates often won’t slide and become locked. Enormous use seismic energy to probe more instruments, inserted into holes drilled into the seafloor, strain from the locked plates builds up over hundreds deeply into the Earth. Multibeam collect a wide range of geophysical measurements for of years until the rocks fail or slip suddenly, causing bathymetry mapping and side-look- characterizing sub-seafloor rock formations. earthquakes with magnitudes of 9 or greater. ing sonar imaging instruments permit Over the past two years, Suzanne Carbotte, Dale To identify and characterize locked zones deep scientists to map larger areas of the Chayes, Bill Haxby, Bill Ryan, and their colleagues within the Earth, scientists currently rely on thermal Jeffrey Weissel seafloor in ever-greater detail. have also obtained several NSF grants to manage and deformation models. But these models contain Doherty Senior Scholar, Although surface ships traditionally have served as marine geoscience data and make them accessible to Associate Director, assumptions that could limit their accuracy. Marine Geology and the main platforms for MG&G research, satellites and the entire community via the Internet. These awards Nedimovic and colleagues used sound waves Geophysics Division robotic submersibles have started to play vital roles. In reflect the national MG&G community’s high regard for reflected off rocks in Earth’s interior to create seismic Credit: Bruce Gilbert July 2004, for example, Lamont-Doherty scientists and Lamont-Doherty’s longstanding expertise in handling reflection images of the megathrust along the northern colleagues from Scripps Institution of Oceanography fundamental shipboard observations. Cascadia margin off Vancouver Island, where the and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution used Pacific seafloor is being pushed under the North SeaBED, a WHOI autonomous underwater vehicle, for American continent. The images revealed variations in detailed studies of sites along the mid-Atlantic shelf the rock structures that could identify and distinguish edge, where naturally occurring natural gas pockets the locked zones more directly and accurately than have built up pressure and discharged violently models can. through the seafloor. This recently discovered phenomenon may be linked to submarine landslides and tsunamis. Lamont-Doherty geophysicist Mladen Nedimovic and collaborators have found a new way to predict more accurately the potential for large, devastating megathrust earthquakes. Using seismic reflection surveys of megafaults (top map) rather than thermal and deformation models (bottom map), they estimated that a “locked” zone where large quakes are generated (No. 1 on the top map, red on the bottom map) is closer to land, increasing the risk to populous Pacific Northwest cities.

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 14 15 MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS

LDEO scientists reveal curious is not a single basin, but rather is divided by a narrow Listening in the ocean, LDEO relate to both natural and anthropogenic sources. Data ridge into previously unknown northern and southern collected from the array have been used to address a structure of lake buried deep sub-basins. scientists hear quakes, whales, diverse set of problems ranging from the seasonal beneath Antarctic ice The water over the ridge is relatively shallow (200 and the breakup of polar ice migration of Antarctic blue whales to the earthquake meters or 650 feet deep), as compared with the rest interactions within the diffuse plate boundary zone DEEP IN THE ANTARCTIC INTERIOR, BURIED of the lake, where the water ranges from roughly UNDERWATER ACOUSTIC STUDIES HAVE A LONG separating India and Australia. under thousands of meters (more than 2.5 miles) of ice, 400 meters (1,300 feet) deep in the northern basin to and distinguished history at the Observatory, going Most recently, they have been tracking the breakup lies Lake Vostok, a lake roughly the size of Lake Ontario 800 meters (2,600 feet) deep in the southern. “The back to seminal work in the early 1950s by Lamont of Antarctic ice using a set of unusual tremor signals, that has been sealed by ice and isolated from the rest ridge between the two basins will limit water founder Maurice Ewing and J. Lamar Worzel on the which are thought to represent resonance within a of Earth’s environment for hundreds of thousands of exchange between the two systems,” Studinger said. SOFAR channel—a low-velocity layer in the ocean partially submerged ice mass. They have been able to years. Scientists have longed to explore the lake’s “Consequently, the chemical and biological composi- that propagates sound energy efficiently over vast detect sounds within the Indian Ocean near the equator waters for ancient life forms that may no tion of these two ecosystems is likely to be different.” distances. For the past two years, Lamont-Doherty that originated near the Antarctic coast more than Scientists have longed to longer exist elsewhere on the planet. The scientists conclude that the arrangement of researchers have been “listening” for sound using 7,000 kilometers away. the two basins, their separation, and the characteris- These newly identified tremor signals represent explore the lake’s waters In 2004, scientists from Lamont- arrays of hydrophones deployed in the SOFAR chan- Doherty and the University of Tokyo tics of the water melting into them all may affect the nel in the Indian Ocean. significant but naturally occurring acoustic noise that for ancient life forms that discovered that the lake contains a circulation of water within the lake. For example, if the The arrays were designed for monitoring in support propagates throughout the oceans. By triangulating Maya Tolstoy Credit: Bruce Gilbert may no longer exist else- prominent ridge that subdivides the water in the lake were fresh, then saltier (and denser) of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. With them, sci- these acoustic signals using the listening stations in lake into two distinct regions. The find- water melted from the ice moving onto the top of the entists can identify the sources of energy generated by the Indian Ocean, Bohnenstiehl and Tolstoy were able where on the planet. ing has significant implications for the northern basin would sink to the bottom of that basin. explosions in or just above the ocean. to locate regions where glacial ice enters the Southern kinds of ecosystems scientists could That would limit the exchange of waters between the But Lamont-Doherty scientists Maya Tolstoy and Ocean and in some cases track its movement along expect to find in the lake and how they should go two basins and lead to very different conditions, and Del Bohnenstiehl also have used the hydrophone the Antarctic margin. about exploring them. perhaps different life forms, within each. systems to isolate a variety of other sounds that they Using laser altimeter, ice-penetrating radar, and Sediments falling to the bottom of the northern and gravity measurements collected by aircraft flying southern basins may also be different. By observing over the lake, Michael Studinger and Robin Bell of melting and freezing patterns of ice moving over Lake Lamont-Doherty and Anahita Tikku, then at the Vostok, scientists believe that the northern basin University of Tokyo, provided the first comprehensive should contain sediments of rock debris carried from map of the entire lakebed of Lake Vostok. Contrary to land and deposited into the lake. The southern basin what scientists had assumed, they found that the lake would not have these land deposits, but they would more likely contain sediment deposits that recorded environmental conditions that existed before the ice sheet sealed off the lake. Antarctic Coast Australian Coast Scientists hope to explore these preserved clues 0 130 Lamont-Doherty scientists Maya Tolstoy

to ancient life and climate conditions, but first must a)

P and Del Bohnenstiehl have used hydrophone µ

develop the technology to sample the undisturbed 120 1

2000 e systems in the oceans, deployed to monitor water and sediments deep beneath the ice without Southeast Indian Ridge r (m) introducing contamination from above. The new com- 110 dB nuclear weapons tests, to isolate sounds th ss ( from the breakup of Antarctic ice. Above, a

prehensive map of Lake Vostok provides essential 4000 Lo n Meters above or below sea level Dep information to guide further exploration of the lake. 100 o range-dependent sound propagation model Sediment ssi 6000 shows that despite some transmission loss, Basement 90

ansmi a 40-hertz signal originating near the Mertz Tr b) 80 Glacier and traveling across the South East 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500300035004000 Indian Ridge was still recorded by a

Flying over Lake Vostok in Range (km) hydrophone moored within the SOFAR a plane equipped with lasers, channel near southwestern Australia, more altimeters, ice-penetrating than 7,000 kilometers away. Below, spectra

radar, and gravity sensors, y 100 researchers mapped the hidden

) of an ice-generated signal over time show lake buried beneath miles of enc 50 Antarctic ice. They discovered Hz that the signal’s frequency is concentrated in qu ( e

a previously unknown ridge that r

F frequency bands, or harmonics (red colors). divides the lake into two basins. 0 The finding has significant 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 a) implications for how to explore Time (sec) the lake and for the kinds of ecosystems scientists can expect to find in it. Credit: Michael Studinger/NSF

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University

16 17 OCEAN AND CLIMATE PHYSICS OCEAN AND CLIMATE PHYSICS

More than ever, the biosphere, in the form of humankind, In 2003, Lamont-Doherty joined a multinational scientific expedition to deploy moored instruments over three is adding a new dimension, superimposing powerful years to measure the passage of ocean waters through the Indonesian Throughflow. The complex, island-filled stresses on Earth’s delicately balanced climate system. passage is a critical chokepoint in the global ocean circulation system that also plays a fundamental role in the El Niño phenomenon and the Asian monsoon.

Inserts A-D show positions of INSTANT moorings. A) United States Makassar Strait Inflow moorings (red diamond) within Labani Channel. B and D) Sunda moor- ings in Ombai Strait, Lombok Strait, and Timor Passage: Archeaological records have revealed centuries. Changes in Earth’s hydrological cycle, U.S. (red diamonds); France (purple square); Australia the dire consequences of abrupt and whereby the oceans and atmosphere circulate water (green circles). Green x’s represent U.S. shallow pressure severe climate changes on human around the planet, could result in excessive rainfall gauge array. C) The Netherlands mooring within the civilizations in the past. Today, year- and flooding in some areas, or droughts in others. main channel of Lifamatola Passage (yellow triangle). to-year shifts in El Niño and in the Scientists in the Division of Ocean and Climate great monsoons cause devastation Physics (OCP) delve into the mysteries of Earth’s for people in some regions and ben- climate. They strive to understand the forces and efits for others. processes that govern climate changes on timescales Changes in Earth’s climate— ranging from years to centuries. They explore how whether abrupt or slow, global or anthropogenic factors may alter the climate dynamic. The Indonesian seas: passages of the tropical Indonesian seas. The regional—have been going on through- And they seek to predict future trends in climate vari- exchange of warm waters through this inter-ocean out the planet’s long history, and ability, an essential tool for planning how to safeguard Where the Pacific flows connector, called the Indonesian Throughflow, may will continue. These changes are humankind’s future and the well-being of the planet. into the Indian Ocean play a fundamental role in the El Niño phenomenon governed by complex interactions To achieve these goals, OCP oceanographers and in the timing and strength of the Asian monsoon, involving the atmosphere, the oceans, make observations and collect data on expeditions INVESTIGATIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE WOULD whose moisture comes from water evaporating from the cryosphere (ice), and the bios- that range from local waters, such as the Hudson River not be complete without a thorough understanding of the Indian Ocean. phere (living things). and the U.S. East Coast, to the remote frozen Southern the ocean. Like interlocking cogs in an engine, the ocean In December 2003, oceanographers from Indonesia, Understanding the natural variability Ocean and the balmy tropical seas of Indonesia. and atmosphere work together, moving heat and fresh France, the Netherlands, United States, and Australia of Earth’s climate is complicated enough. Others analyze data from satellites or records of past water around the globe, from regions of surplus to launched the International Nusantara Stratification But more than ever, the biosphere, in climates preserved in deep-sea sediments or glacial regions of deficit, to drive Earth’s climate system. and Transport (INSTANT) program. the form of humankind, is adding a new ice cores. Still others employ numerical models that While the atmosphere envelops the globe, the Oceanographers Arnold Gordon and For the first time, scientists will be dimension, superimposing powerful simulate the dynamics of the climate system. ocean is segmented into individual basins, such as the Dwi Susanto represent Lamont- able to measure unambiguously stresses on Earth’s delicately balanced Close collaboration between observationalists and Doherty in this international partnership. Atlantic or the Pacific, connected by channels of varying the magnitude and properties of climate system. modelers, between oceanographers and climatologists, dimensions. As a result, each ocean takes on distinct The INSTANT field program consists Arnold L. Gordon Human-induced changes to land surfaces and to and with scientists from other divisions, notably with temperature and salinity properties and circulation of a three-year deployment of an array the inter-ocean transport between Professor of Earth and the chemistry of the atmosphere, for example, may Lamont-Doherty geochemists, is a hallmark of the OCP of bottom-anchored moorings that will Environmental Sciences, characteristics. To equilibrate these differences with their the Pacific and Indian Oceans. directly measure the velocity, tempera- Associate Director, Ocean make the natural system prone to changes—perhaps Division and has led to significant advancements in neighbors, they exchange waters. and Climate Physics Division relatively rapid ones. High latitudes are especially the field of ocean and climate science. The following Atlantic waters, for example, are saltier and there- ture, and salinity of waters in many Credit: Bruce Gilbert susceptible to warming that threatens the stability of projects highlight the diversity of OCP researchers. fore denser than the Pacific’s, and they sink to the passageways of the Indonesian Throughflow, from permafrost fields and glacial and sea ice. Their melting abyss to propel a global system of deep currents that surface to depth. For the first time, scientists will be may add fresh water to the oceans, which could lead flows throughout the world’s oceans. The Indian Ocean, able to measure unambiguously the magnitude and to shifts in ocean circulation and, in turn, to changes confined to the planet’s warm midriff and without properties of the inter-ocean transport between the in atmospheric circulation, which may last many access to the Northern Hemisphere, must transfer all Pacific and Indian Oceans. its tropical heat to the Southern Ocean surrounding The array will also provide unprecedented data Antarctica. The atmosphere is coupled to these ocean elucidating many other complex, fascinating, and pre- Crew members and scientists viously unresolvable scientific mysteries in this tropical (far right), including Lamont- dynamics and responds to them. Doherty researcher Bruce Huber Lamont-Doherty oceanographers have long inves- region. The Lamont-Doherty team, for example, is (right) prepare to deploy arrays tigated inter-ocean exchanges throughout the world, examining how intense tidal action over the rugged of bottom-anchored moorings seafloor in Indonesian seas mixes Pacific water coursing that measure the velocity, tem- charting ocean circulations around Antarctica and perature, and salinity of waters along the southern rim of Africa. More recently, they through them, changing the water’s characteristics from surface to depths in the before it reaches the Indian Ocean. Indonesian Throughflow. have been exploring the flow of Pacific water into Credit: Arnold Gordon the Indian Ocean through the complex, island-filled

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 18 19 OCEAN AND CLIMATE PHYSICS OCEAN AND CLIMATE PHYSICS

Antarctic ice shelves: in the ocean because the freezing point of seawater The past two decades of the 20th century brought Where ice meets the ocean declines with increasing pressure. Melting rates will also increase as the ocean warms. Together these unprecedented global warming to the planet and processes can allow seawater to penetrate deeper BETWEEN AIR AND OCEAN, ICE ALSO PLAYS A under the grounded ice and corrode it. striking changes in regional climate. crucial role in the Earth’s climate dynamics. Our planet’s Furthermore, thinning an ice shelf weakens its warming atmosphere has led to concern that its ice frictional contacts with shorelines and embedded sheets will melt, sending now-frozen water into the islands, and may permit inflowing ice streams to move ocean and accelerating the rise of global sea level. more rapidly into the sea. Consistent with this idea, Indeed, ice shelves have quickly disintegrated along recent observations have shown that ice stream veloc- the Antarctic Peninsula, where air temperatures have ities have increased where ice shelves have thinned or Yochanan Kushnir risen several degrees during recent decades, and collapsed entirely. Credit: Bruce Gilbert surface melt ponds have penetrated Lamont oceanographers also reported geochemical Some ice shelves are melting cracks in the ice. evidence for higher ice melting and long-term freshening CICAR: Where past and future climates meet at their bases 10 to 100 times Scientists have long known that a of the ocean near Antarctica. It remains to be deter- warmer atmosphere could carry more mined whether average melting is high and steady or faster than expected. moisture poleward, potentially deposit- has recently accelerated. TO ENHANCE THEIR ABILITY TO PREDICT FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGES, SCIENTISTS ing enough snow on Antarctica’s vast, Jacobs and colleagues have developed plans to can use two approaches: They can reconstruct how the climate system behaved in the past to see sub-freezing interior to more than balance the calving return to the Amundsen Sea with an autonomous what it is capable of, and under what circumstances. They can gain similar understanding by using of icebergs. However, this view largely ignored direct underwater vehicle, which can make measurements numerical models that incorporate the known physics that drive the climate system. Merging these melting of the ice shelves that fringe nearly half of the beneath the ice shelves. The ice shelves often extend two approaches can have a synergistic effect. Antarctic continent. over deep troughs that were gouged by glaciers Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) scientists have joined colleagues at the National On recent voyages into the relatively inaccessible grounded on the seafloor during the last ice age. It Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) at Amundsen and Bellingshausen Seas, oceanographer may be no coincidence that Antarctica’s ice is thinning Princeton, N.J., in a unique collaboration between paleoclimatologists and experts in climate Stan Jacobs and colleagues found evidence that some and moving fastest in regions where the warmest deep dynamics and modeling. LDEO and GFDL scientists are set to explore climate evolution from the ice shelves are melting at their bases 10 to 100 times water gains access to these troughs, and thus to the medieval period to the modern industrial age and into the future. faster than expected. These results pointed to addi- retreating grounding lines. In 2003, NOAA established the Cooperative Institute for Climate Applications and Research tional ice sheet vulnerabilities due to climate change. (CICAR), a collaborative venture between Columbia University and NOAA. CICAR is a recent addition Combining the ocean data with circulation models to a nationwide network of a dozen similar partnerships between NOAA laboratories and nearby and satellite measurements, they showed that ice academic and research institutions that conduct research on Earth’s oceans, coasts, atmosphere, and Tree stumps rooted along a river bottom in shelves are melting at higher rates near deep “ground- climate, said Yochanan Kushnir, Doherty Senior Research Scientist at LDEO and CICAR Director. West Walker River Canyon in Eastern California are evidence that trees once grew in this region ing lines,” where thick ice streams move off the land Now, under one of CICAR’s themes, researchers have begun to study the evolution of Earth’s during medieval times, when megadroughts and begin to float. Ice melts faster where it lies deeper climate during the past 1,000 years and into the greenhouse future, said Richard Seager, Doherty dried up the river. The trees were drowned Senior Research Scientist. About 1,000 years ago, during an era called the Medieval Warm Period, and killed when drought conditions diminished and river levels rose again. Lamont-Doherty much of the Earth was as warm as it was in the early 20th century, allowing Vikings to colonize climate researchers are working to understand Greenland. But the Vikings abandoned Greenland as Earth’s climate later cooled. During the fol- the evolution of climate conditions over the lowing “Little Ice Age,” the Earth was cooler than in the 20th century, and glaciers advanced world- past millennium that have spawned cycles of droughts and their opposite—called pluvials— wide. The Little Ice Age ended in the late 19th century to be followed by a warming climate in the in North America. 20th century. Credit: Scott Stine In recent years, massive The past two decades of the 20th century brought unprecedented global warming to the planet icebergs like this one have calved from Antarctic ice and striking changes in regional climate. In the past several years, drought has struck the American shelves, raising concerns of West. Lamont-Doherty researchers have shown that chronic drought also occurred in the melting ice sheets and rising American West during the Medieval Warm Period and once again has become more common in sea levels. Lamont-Doherty oceanographer Stan Jacobs the 150 years since the Little Ice Age ended, including the terrible Dust Bowl drought of the 1930s. found evidence that some Is the current drought in the West a random event or the beginning of a climate that is more ice shelves are melting 10 to 100 times faster than arid than in recent historical experience? A long-term perspective of climate change over the past expected at their “grounding millennium and knowledge of how the climate system responded in the past to stresses will pro- lines,” where thick ice vide deeper understanding of the character, mechanisms, and consequences of climate changes streams move off land and begin to float in the ocean. influenced by human activities, such as fossil fuel burning. Credit: Josh Landis/National Other important research projects under CICAR are the advancement of El Niño prediction Science Foundation and the unravelling of the perplexing phenomenon of abrupt climate change.

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 20 21 SEISMOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND TECTONOPHYSICS SEISMOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND TECTONOPHYSICS

An explosion of new geophysical and geological data Earthquakes reveal the PKP(1993AB) 2003 has given us the ability to probe the Earth with ever- rotation of Earth’s inner core increasing accuracy. EARTH’S SOLID INNER CORE IS AN INTRIGUING but difficult target for investigation. Seismologists have to resort to what physicians would call noninvasive procedures: To explore the core’s composition and dynamics, they analyze seismic waves that have trav- eled through it. But the liquid outer core often blocks or refracts some types of seismic waves. Unknown heterogeneities in the mantle and the core-mantle DF boundary can also affect seismic waves, masking BC AB subtle structures in the inner core. This has been an especially exciting We are gaining new insights about brittle and duc- To make progress, seismologists must perform time in the solid-Earth geosciences. tile deformation processes in the Earth’s crust and exacting analyses of core-traversing seismic waves in An explosion of new geophysical and lithosphere that lead to faulting, localized strain, and hundreds or thousands of seismogram records. Doing geological data has given us the earthquakes. New hyper-accurate maps of seismicity elucidate the complex structure and relationships of [left] The wave labeled DF that, Lamont-Doherty seismologists Xiaodong Song travels through the inner core, ability to probe the Earth with ever- are helping to reveal the morphology of major faults neighboring faults—the underlying geological architec- and Paul Richards made an astonishing and contro- and for a pair of repeating earth- increasing accuracy. New instruments and the interactions among faults in complex plate ture that leads to earthquakes. quakes (in 1993 and 2003) versial finding in 1996: The inner core is rotating faster are adding more—and more precise— boundaries. Our Rock Mechanics Laboratory con- But surprisingly, pinpointing accurate locations for DF is observed to travel faster than the rest of the Earth. This result led to a flurry of for the later event, compared observations. At the same time, ducts experiments to calibrate the physical properties this most fundamental feature of earthquakes is research and competing and inconsistent claims. with the waves BC and AB, rapidly emerging developments in and processes involved in fundamental, smaller-scale difficult. Seismographs often are not ideally positioned which did not travel through To strengthen the evidence for rotation, seismolo- geophysical theory and computation geodynamic factors such as fault friction, deformation to record the most scientifically useful earthquake- the inner core. One explanation gists must find records of seismic waves that were for the time change is that are advancing understanding of in brittle rocks, and fluid flow. generated seismic waves. Often seismologists have generated by earthquakes that occurred in essentially between 1993 and 2003 the complex geodynamic processes in Structural seismologists in the Division analyze difficulty interpreting seismic waves traveling through inner core—which is composed the same location and that traveled similar pathways Earth’s crust, mantle, and core. global and regional seismic data to refine images of the crust, because they have no information about largely of crystalline iron—has through the inner core to the same recording station. rotated, thus bringing the path Using all these tools, staff and Earth’s crust, mantle, and core. By deploying temporary variations in rock types that the seismic waves are of DF waves into better align- These are rare because they also require earthquakes students in the Division of Seismol- seismograph networks dedicated to specific geody- traveling through. ment with the fastest path and stations at high latitudes near the poles of the ogy, Geology and Tectonophysics namic targets, we are able to image heterogeneities Some, but not all, of these difficulties can be through this part of the Earth’s planet. Further, the earthquakes must have occurred deepest interior. (SG&T) are conducting new integrat- in the crust and mantle with very high resolution. We reduced by finding hypocenter clusters that have several years apart, so that there is time for the inner ed explorations of the geodynamic have also developed new capabilities to deploy high- generated multiple earthquakes. Such clusters pro- [right] Paul Richards core’s rotation to affect seismic wave travel times. Credit: Ronnie Anderson mechanisms underlying plate tecton- fidelity ocean-bottom seismographs for more than a year, duce similar seismic wave signals recorded by the With a painstaking examination of earthquake ics, the evolution of the planet, and expanding seismological investigations of important same seismographs. records between 1982 and 1998, Richards and his col- earthquakes. Beyond our fundamental and previously inaccessible areas of the globe. In an exhaustive study, Lamont-Doherty seis- league Anyi Li found 17 earthquake pairs, or doublets, research, we demonstrate the more But structure and source seismology provide only mologists David Schaff and Felix Waldhauser that occurred in close proximity. Only one of these immediate impacts of our work by snapshots of the current state of the planet. To learn examined 225,000 California earthquakes and 15 million doublets provided seismic waves with a measurable developing the scientific tools needed about its history, our geologists interpret the record individual seismograms (processing some 26 billion “core phase,” but Li and Richards were able to make Art Lerner-Lam to reduce the risks of natural disasters and preserved in structural relationships of rocks and sed- seismic wave measurements). They found that an an incontrovertible measurement of a change in Doherty Senior Scientist, nuclear weapons proliferation. And we continue iments. Recent results have provided new insights on unexpectedly large number of these earthquakes—90 Associate Director, seismic wave travel time over the years between the the long tradition of Lamont-Doherty observational the evolution of the Basin and Range in the western percent—had seismograms similar to at least one other Seismology, Geology, and two events. This observation rules out the possibility Tectonophysics Division science by coordinating earthquake-monitoring United States and the mechanisms by which Earth’s earthquake recorded at four or more seismic stations. that the rotations of the inner core and the Earth are in Credit: Bruce Gilbert activities in the greater New York area and else- crust is extended, one of the fundamental processes By cross-correlating the waveforms from these “repeat- lockstep, and confirms the earlier finding that the inner where in the Northeast. shaping Earth’s surface. ed” quakes, the scientists improved their ability to locate core is rotating eastward, between 0.4° and 1° faster earthquake hypocenters by a factor of 10 to 100. than the rest of the Earth each year. Using this new waveform cross-correlation, or WCC, method, Schaff and Waldhauser developed much more detailed pictures of the San Andreas Fault system A new method to home in around San Francisco. Schaff also processed huge Scientists and technicians in Lamont-Doherty’s Ocean- on earthquake hypocenters amounts of seismographic data from Chinese net- Bottom Seismometer Lab works, and using the WCC method, he believes he has have designed and built TO UNDERSTAND EARTHQUAKES, SEISMOLOGISTS located hypocenters with an accuracy approaching new-generation, long-term seafloor seismometers that investigate faults, the fractures in Earth’s crust where 100 meters. Such precise measurements, leading to expand seismologists’ ability rocks slide or rupture suddenly to generate earth- finely resolved maps of complex fault systems, advance to collect seismic data in our abilities to quantify seismic hazards. remote oceanic regions. quakes. Hypocenters—the precise locations where Credit: Daniel Weiss earthquakes start—are a key measurement. They help

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University

22 23 SEISMOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND TECTONOPHYSICS SEISMOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND TECTONOPHYSICS

In an exhaustive study, Lamont-Doherty seismologists David Schaff and Felix Apennines Collision Adriatic Sea Current CAT/SCAN Waldhauser examined 225,000 California earthquakes and 15 million individual Broadband Stations Current CAT/SCAN seismograms recorded by the Northern California Seismic Network (NCSN). They Short-period Stations found that an unexpectedly large number of these earthquakes—90 percent— Ocean Bottom Seismometers occurred within a few kilometers of each other and produced similar seismic Other Broadband Stations wave signals recorded at four or more seismic stations (the minimum number 50 Depth to top of slab required to locate an earthquake’s hypocenter). By cross-correlating the wave- Collision/ forms from these “repeated” quakes, the scientists improved their ability to Subduction front locate earthquake hypocenters by a factor of 10 to 100. Edge of passive margin

400 Tyrrhenian Sea Using this new waveform cross-correlation method, Waldhauser and Schaff are 300 [left] Lamont-Doherty seis- now pinpointing more accurate locations for a large percentage of past California mologists participated in a 200 joint U.S.-Italian project to earthquakes—a project funded by the U.S. Geological Survey. Such precise s monitor earthquakes on the Lab launches fleet nd Eolian Isla 100 most active seismic belt in measurements, leading to finely resolved maps of complex fault systems, Calabria of new-generation 50 Italy. Credit: Mike Steckler. advance our abilities to quantify seismic hazards. Sicily They deployed portable seis- seafloor seismometers mographs in locations across Italy, including one in the town Subduction of Craco (far left), to map OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, LAMONT-DOHERTY’S Rollback the geologic structure of the Collision new Ocean Bottom Seismology (OBS) Laboratory has earthquake-susceptible Ionian Sea Calabrian arc. Casting doubts on old More recently, Christie-Blick and graduate student reached operational status. The OBS engineering group, Credit (far left): Bob Greschke theory explaining the Byrdie Renik have investigated another geological led by Spahr Webb, has completed construction of icon regarded as definitive evidence for extreme exten- a fleet of 60 ocean-bottom seismometers and has A renewed emphasis formation of the U.S. West sion: the Eagle Mountain Formation in Death Valley, deployed them in the Pacific near the Mariana Islands California. Scientists had found rock fragments from a and in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This low-power, broad-band- on reducing natural FOR MORE THAN A DECADE, MARK ANDERS, large igneous rock body, or batholith, which they width design provides high-fidelity recordings of natural hazard risks Nicholas Christie-Blick, and colleagues have played believed were deposited at an alluvial fan—a common seismicity for periods extending beyond one year. This desert landform constructed where floods emerge significant advance expands seismic coverage into the role of dogged skeptics about a widely accepted THE SG&T DIVISION INTERACTS CLOSELY WITH from a narrow gorge into a broad valley. The maximum remote, previously inaccessible oceanic regions repre- theory explaining a fundamental Earth-shaping process: the Earth Institute to apply new results from basic extent of alluvial fans is about 20 kilometers, but the senting 70 percent of Earth’s surface and provides how Earth’s crust is extended to create the landscape studies of earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, and rock fragments were found more than 100 kilometers seismologists with more observations that can elucidate in such places as the Basin and Range province in the other hazards to policies that can reduce risks to life, away from the batholith. It was concluded that the oceanic mantle dynamics. Webb and his group are western United States. According to widely accepted property, and economic prosperity. Over the past few extensional movement of crustal blocks accounted for developing new instrument capabilities that should allow thinking, massive crustal blocks that lie atop large, years, SG&T scientists have participated in pilot studies Exploring how the landscape the wider separation of the fragments from their source. even better fidelity and longer duration. The OBS Lab in the American West was gently sloping (so-called low-angle) normal faults slide and policy design projects that have provided assis- Christie-Blick and Renik took a closer look at the is part of a national facility that provides and operates created, geologist Mark downward over millions of years—stretching and thin- tance to partner institutions in other countries, as well Anders and graduate student geological evidence. The rock fragments turned out these instruments for the wider scientific community. ning Earth’s upper crust. as to international development organizations and Chris Walker have studied to be well-rounded, not angular as would be expected the Morman Mountains in In the mid-1990s, Anders and Christie-Blick humanitarian agencies. We have been able to demon- in alluvial fan deposits. They found a host of other Nevada (cross-section below). re-examined an apparent boundary in seismic images strate that well-founded assessments of exposure to Scientists had believed that depositional details more closely pointing to an accu- of subsurface rock layers in the Sevier Desert in Utah, natural hazards can lead to shifts in urban development Earth’s crust was extended in mulation in rivers channels rather than at alluvial fans. the area when crustal blocks which scientists had long interpreted to be a low-angle and investment in infrastructure that lead to safer com- That casts new doubts on published interpretations of slid along a low-angle fault. fault. They analyzed rock specimens cored from just munities. For example, a Lamont-Doherty seismological But Anders’ and Walkers’ how and by how much the crust was extended across above and below the presumed fault and found no team led by Leonardo Seeber and Art Lerner-Lam early results suggest that the the Death Valley region. “fault” is really the surface of evidence of deformation that would have formed if has worked with Italian colleagues in the active seismic a huge (100-square-kilometer) the rocks ever slid past one another. They concluded belt in the Calabria region on the toe of the Italian penin- landslide, and therefore does not extend the crust at all. that the seismic feature, long believed to be a fault, sula to identify areas where earthquake and landslide Credit: Chris Walker was not a fault. hazards may be higher than previously suspected.

A’

M or mon T hrust

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 24 25 OFFICE OF MARINE AFFAIRS OFFICE OF MARINE AFFAIRS

In 2004, Lamont-Doherty R/V Ewing’s forte is using sound energy to image purchased the Western Legend, a former commer- cial seismic exploration seafloor and subseafloor strata—not unlike the way ship, with funds provided by the National Science CT scans and sonograms are used in medicine to Foundation. The ship will be retrofitted and become the Observatory’s new “see” within the human body. research vessel. Credit: John Diebold

In 2002-04, Lamont-Doherty Earth Not surprisingly, eight of the ship’s cruises included Observatory’s signature ship, R/V seismic research. Lamont-Doherty researchers were Maurice Ewing, supported 10 research principal investigators and chief scientists on two expeditions conducted by dozens of of these. Lamont-Doherty geophysicist Suzanne scientists from many institutions— Carbotte led a comprehensive survey of the Juan through two oceans (Pacific and de Fuca Ridge off the coasts of Washington state Atlantic) and three seas (Caribbean, and Vancouver, Canada, using Ewing’s underway geo- North, Norwegian), over 60,425 nau- physical acquisition systems (magnetics, gravity, swath tical miles, from the coast of Oregon bathymetry and reflection profiling). They provided In May 2003, Lamont-Doherty scientists Maya made by oil exploration seismic sources, in an effort to to Norway, and back to the Pacific. the first detailed images of the magma chambers and Tolstoy, John Diebold, and Spahr Webb made determine their behavioral response. Foreign countries visited included geological plumbing system that feed the mid-ocean calibrated measurements of Ewing’s seismic source In September of 2004, NSF provided $20 million to Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Norway, ridge, as well as deeper structures including the levels. These are the first broadband measurements of Lamont-Doherty to replace Ewing, which has accumu- Barbados, and Bermuda. Ewing tran- Moho, the boundary between the ocean crust and the this kind ever carried out and are crucial to improving lated more than half a million miles in its service to sited the Panama Canal twice. underlying mantle. Ewing’s forte is its Multichannel our understanding of the impact these and similar science and exploration of ocean and deep Earth Seismic (MCS) capabilities, using Other cruises dominated by seismic work seismic sources might have on marine mammals and processes. The funding will support the purchase and John Diebold other sea life. refitting of a ship from Western Geco Inc., which has Research Scientist, sound energy to image seafloor and included investigations of: Marine Science Coordinator subseafloor strata—not unlike the These two years have seen an increase in direct operated her for several years as a commercial seismic Credit: Doug Brusa observation and other studies of marine mammals. In exploration vessel under the name Western Legend. way CT scans and sonograms are • The shallow plumbing system and heat source that June 2003, Ewing supported a sperm whale monitoring Following a year-long outfitting with modern laboratories used in medicine to “see” within the drive the formation of the large TAG (Trans Atlantic program in the northern Gulf of Mexico, with scientists and scientific equipment, she will become the world’s human body. Ewing has a 20-airgun Geotraverse) hydrothermal vent system and mineral from LDEO, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, most capable academic research vessel utilizing array that produces seismic energy deposit on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. and a 480-channel, 6-kilometer-long and Texas A&M University. It was jointly funded by acoustic and seismic technologies. the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Office of The seismic receiving systems used by Western hydrophone array and acquisition • The Støregga submarine slide, a colossal failure of the Naval Research, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Legend are substantially more sophisticated than the Paul Ljunggren system, which records seismic energy reflected continental slope off Norway that may have converted Minerals Management Service (which assures that oil Ewing’s. This will greatly improve capabilities of imag- Senior Staff Associate, back from rock layers beneath the ocean floor. solid methane hydrate deposits on the seafloor into Marine Superintendent and gas operations on outer continental shelf leases are ing the Earth’s deep interior without the need to These features make Ewing the only ship in the U.S. large quantities of methane (a greenhouse gas) Credit: Bruce Gilbert conducted in a manner that reduces risks to the increase the level of sounds transmitted into the academic research fleet capable of performing released into the oceans and/or atmosphere. MCS surveys around the world. marine environment), and the International Association ocean. This is fundamentally important to the research of Geophysical Contractors, representing companies community’s ability to make progress in its studies of • Hess Deep, where transform faulting has exhumed the that conduct geophysical exploration for oil and gas. the Earth’s environment oceanic crust-mantle transition from its normal posi- During this program, sperm whales were detected while minimizing possible tion deep in the crust, raising it close to the seafloor. Following a year-long outfitting with modern visually and by listening for their distinctive underwater impacts upon marine life. laboratories and scientific equipment, the vocalizations. Then pods of whales were tracked, using • The northeastern boundary between the Caribbean the same methods, and eventually “tagged” with tem- Western Legend will become the world’s and South American tectonic plates, where transcur- porary data loggers and tracking devices attached rent motion across a major strike slip fault is rotating most capable academic research vessel with suction cups. In several cases, the final step was the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. utilizing acoustic and seismic technologies. to carefully expose tagged whales to low-level sounds

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 26 27 OFFICE OF MARINE AFFAIRS OFFICE OF MARINE AFFAIRS

Schedule for R/V Ewing (July 2002 – June 2004)

CRUISE DATES PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR PORTS INSTITUTION

2002 June 14 - July 3 Marie Eble Kodiak, AK Pacific Marine and Environmental Lab/NOAA Astoria, OR July 8 - August 7 Suzanne Carbotte Astoria, OR Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Newport, OR August 12 - September 6 Ingo Pecher/Nathan Bangs Newport, OR University of Texas - Institute of Geophysics Newport, OR September 8 - 12 TRANSIT Newport, OR San Diego, CA September 16 - October 30 Daniel Lizarralde San Diego, CA Georgia Tech Manzanillo, Mexico November 8 - 13 TRANSIT Manzanillo, Mexico Costa Rica November 14 - 19 Kevin Brown Costa Rica Scripps Institution of Oceanography Panama November 21 - 28 TRANSIT Panama Norfolk, VA

2003 April 13 - May 16 Robert Dziak Norfolk, VA Oregon State University San Juan, PR May 18 - 23 TRANSIT San Juan, PR Gulfport, MS May 27 - June 24 Maya Tolstoy Gulfport, MS Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Galveston, TX June 28 - July 3 TRANSIT Galveston, TX Panama July 6 - 28 Gail Christeson Panama University of Texas - Institute of Geophysics Panama August 1 - 20 TRANSIT Panama Bergen, Norway August 29 - September 30 Stephen Holbrook Bergen, Norway University of Wyoming Bergen, Norway October 4 - 20 TRANSIT Bergen, Norway Barbados October 24 - November 9 Robert Sohn Barbados Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Bermuda November 14 - 20 TRANSIT Bermuda New York

2004 February 20 - March 1 TRANSIT Norfolk, VA Mobile, AL R/V Ewing April 7 - 14 TRANSIT Mobile, AL San Juan, PR April 18 - June 3 Alan Levander San Juan, PR Rice University San Juan, PR June 6 - 11 TRANSIT San Juan, PR Tampa, FL June 12 - 21 RUDDER REPAIR Tampa, FL

Crew members aboard June 22 - July 10 TRANSIT Tampa, FL R/V Ewing during 2002 San Diego, CA From the World Ocean Floor cruise led by Suzanne map by Bruce C. Heezen and Carbotte (center front row) Marie Tharp Credit: John Diebold

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University

28 29 DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Members of the Solid Earth The need for professionals who understand the impacts System class get a close-up view of the Ramapo Fault on a field trip to Kakiak Park of climate on society, and vice versa, is acute, and (New York). grows ever more so as human activity alters the planet and its atmosphere.

The Department of Earth and Environ- The role of earth and environmental sciences in the Building upon its expertise in climate modeling and Is a career in research for me? mental Sciences (DEES) occupies a public arena has changed, too. The need for sound climate prediction, the Department this year launched unique position. It takes advantage science to guide decisions on energy policy, envir- its Climate and Society master’s program. The need EVEN STUDENTS WHO LOVE SCIENCE OFTEN of facilities and personnel at both the onmental change, hazard mitigation, and poverty for professionals who understand the impacts of question whether they really want to pursue a career in Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in reduction is vital, as is the need for policymakers who climate on society, and vice versa, is acute, and grows research. The Summer Intern Program, jointly spon- Palisades, New York, and at Columbia understand that science. ever more so as human activity alters the planet and its sored by the Department of Earth and Environmental University’s Morningside Heights The new Frontiers of Science course, now required atmosphere. The 12-month program offers decision- Sciences, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and campus. By enabling student involve- for all Columbia undergraduates, exemplifies these makers clear and reliable guidance on impending the Earth Institute at Columbia, provides a way for ment in the Observatory’s fertile and new perspectives. “Frontiers” is taught by a team of 15 climate shocks, as well as practical information and undergraduates to try out research before committing varied research endeavors, it enrich- instructors from five of Columbia’s top science depart- tools to deal with their consequences. themselves to years of graduate training. es students’ educational experience ments, including DEES. It tackles the thorny problem In addition to the Department’s 40 regular and Interns work under the supervision of a Columbia and opportunities while simultane- of bringing forefront science to an extremely bright but adjunct faculty members, another 90 Ph.D.-level research scientist for eight weeks and see a research project ously enhancing the Observatory’s also extremely intellectually diverse group of students, scientists at the Observatory play critical roles in advis- through from start to finish. The process includes lab research enterprise. whose majors range from political science to Slavic ing and supporting students and directing student and fieldwork, data analysis, and the development of The Department helps students at languages to chemistry. It focuses on four scientific research programs. The ratio of Ph.D.scientists to Ph.D. hypotheses and theories. It culminates in a mini-con- the undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. areas—biodiversity, brain physiology, global climate students is more than one to one. The intellectual fire- ference at which each intern presents his or her final degree levels develop the analytic skills change, and nanophysics—each of which is in the power of this combination is remarkable. Students are results to the Lamont-Doherty community. and the critical thinking they need to midst of explosive discovery and at the center of full partners in the discovery process and are often the The interns are housed in a dormitory on the investigate the complex dynamics of public debate. Students are challenged to think like originators of the most revolutionary and paradigm- Barnard College campus, across Broadway from the planet. Earth and environmental scientists as they critique journal articles, design and changing ideas. Columbia’s main campus in Manhattan. They spend research has become increasingly carry out experiments, and learn to formulate and The Department’s more than 100 graduate students weekdays on the Lamont campus, but interdisciplinary. Scientists now rec- articulate scientific analyses. generate an extraordinary level of excitement. They fan take part in the vibrant life of the About 40 percent of our ognize the meaningful progress that out into new territories, ranging from Antarctic glaciers Morningside Heights community during can be attained by making connec- to Icelandic volcanoes to the blue waters of the equa- interns go on to graduate evenings and weekends. William Menke tions between formerly separate fields such as torial Pacific. They bring back new measurements, In addition to their individual school in earth and Professor and Chairman, climatology, ecology, oceanography, atmospheric observations, samples, insights—not to mention fasci- Department of Earth and research projects, the summer interns science, geophysics, and geochemistry. nating tales. And they break new ground developing environmental sciences. Environmental Sciences participate in a well-structured program Credit: Bruce Gilbert laboratory techniques, writing software, and designing of workshops and seminars. These are designed to give new instrumentation. them an overview of forefront ideas in earth and environ- mental sciences, a chance to meet the people behind the research, and opportunities to talk about practical issues such as safety, ethics, and job placement. “About 40 percent of our interns go on to graduate school in earth and environmental sciences,” said Dallas Abbott, the program’s coordinator. “Many of the The Department of Earth rest become high school science teachers or enter one and Environmental Sciences administrative staff (left to of the professions—law, finance, even air traffic control.” right): Missy Pinckert, Administrative Aide; Carol Mountain, Program Coordinator, and Mia Leo, Department Administrator Credit: Bruce Gilbert

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 30 31 DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

“I love blending my background in forest ecology with the wider context of earth science. And I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface of what I can learn.”

The weeklong excursion uses a hands-on, trial- How will our forests adapt to climate change? and-error approach to learning, which works well even with students with little or no background in geology. NEIL PEDERSON GREW UP IN A RURAL COUNTY IN NEW YORK AND SPENT A LOT OF Scrambling over landscapes that are off the beaten time outside near his family’s cabin in the Adirondacks. He earned undergraduate and master’s track and seldom seen by tourists, the students focus degrees in forestry, seeking to speak for the trees. But when he came to Lamont-Doherty’s Tree- on carefully chosen geological vignettes—a valley, hillside, Ring Laboratory (TRL), he learned how much the trees could tell us. or rock formation that embodies a geological process. Restoring and managing forests, he realized, required looking beyond the trees, and even Armed with an array of geological tools, the stu- beyond the forests, to the broader context of the Earth itself. dents make detailed observations, recording them “There is a 90 percent probability that the Earth’s average temperature will rise significantly over with sketches and notes, and interpreting what they the next 100 years,” Pederson said. “Such a change in climate will likely have a significant impact see according to geological principles. Professor on the growth and competitive abilities of trees in forested ecosystems.” Christie-Blick then leads discussions—some of which The annual growth rings of long-lived trees have traditionally been analyzed to reconstruct past develop into hot debates—in which students develop Death Valley days, or how climate conditions, but Pederson has been using them to help predict how climate changes will hypotheses to explain the geological processes that I spent my spring vacation affect forests in the future. The research circles back again: Trees use heat-trapping carbon dioxide have shaped the rocks. The idea is to learn firsthand for photosynthesis, so healthy forests could help mitigate climate change. how to apply the scientific method. Pederson first came to the Tree-Ring Laboratory as a technician, but later enrolled as a graduate Students hike in Gower Gulch THE DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRON- The week is physically demanding, especially when during a spring-break field trip student. His research has focused on a familiar neck of the woods, the Hudson Valley, one of the mental Sciences sponsors a student excursion that the weather is hot. Students need ample supplies of to Death Valley, Calif. They most diverse forests in the eastern U.S. The valley’s low-lying, warm, moist location between the explored the relation between offers an alternative to the traditional spring break in sunscreen and water. They must watch where they Catskill, Taconic, Green, and Adirondack Mountains makes it a transition zone where many differ- alluvial fan sedimentation, Daytona Beach—one that is every bit as sunny, but walk, because of the often steep terrain, and where erosion, and slippage along distinctly drier. ent southern temperate and northern boreal tree species co-exist at the limits of their ranges. an active extensional fault the sit, because of the occasional scorpion and These attributes make the Hudson Valley an ideal natural laboratory to study how climate forming the Black Mountains. Professor Nick Christie-Blick leads a group of rattlesnake. But most students find the experience Pronounced incision of the changes affect trees and forests. Using tree-ring analyses to study growth trends of several Hudson 20 Columbia undergraduates into Death Valley, a spec- both exhilarating and eye-opening. alluvial fan at this locality is tacular part of the eastern California desert where Valley species over the past century, Pederson has identified several critical factors that forest due to diversion into Gower Gulch of the substantially they can wander back through more than one billion ecologists hadn’t appreciated. Winter temperatures seem to limit tree growth more than summer Neil Pederson larger Furnace Creek Wash years of Earth history, in an area of outstanding natural temperatures, he found. But, counterintuitively, some species located in milder southern regions Credit: Bruce Gilbert drainage since 1941—testimony beauty. The notable paucity of trees makes every hill- were more vulnerable to winter temperatures—because more continuous snow cover in northern to the role of humankind in environmental change. top a vista point. regions provides a blanket of insulation that prevents freezing soils that would curtail tree growth. Credit: Nicholas Christie-Blick. The terrain is spectacular, with 11,000-foot-high Pederson has also exploited old samples in the TRL’s renowned archives to ask new questions: mountains that rise from a valley floor that is actually Studying tree rings along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, he found significant growth increases in trees several hundred feet below sea level. The valley abounds over the past century. What’s more, this growth spurt occurs even in the oldest trees—contrary to with earthquake faults, volcanic craters, ancient the notion that tree growth declines as trees age. seabeds, fossiliferous rocks, the remnants of recent “I love blending my background in forest ecology with the wider context of earth science,” floods and landslides—a smorgasbord of effects from Pederson said. “And I feel I’ve just scratched the surface of what I can learn.” a wide range of geological processes.

Columbia undergraduates at China Ranch during the 2003 Spring Break Trip to Death Valley (California) Credit: Nicholas Christie-Blick

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 32 33 DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

[far left] Undergraduate student “I love the interdisciplinary aspects of the work, blending Elise Baker explores a cave on a field trip to Monsly Park. chemistry, microbiology, hydrology, and geology.” [left] Summer intern Peggy Hannon takes atmospheric transparency measurements before ascending to 5,000 feet in a hot-air balloon with her advisor Dr. Beate Liepert. Variations in atmospheric transparency are thought to cause dimming of sunlight, which affects the energy budget of the climate system. Credit: Carmen Alex

Tapping into a well of exciting research Theses Defended (2002 – 04) ALISON KEIMOWITZ LOVED THE WAY CHEMISTRY GOT TO THE HEART OF HOW THINGS worked, how the structure and interactions of atoms explained phenomena. “My chemistry classes in college clarified the world,” she said, “though I did spend a lot of time CANDIDATE ADVISOR DISSERTATION TITLE DATE OF DEFENSE in basement laboratories.” Koutavos, Athanasios J. Lynch-Stieglitz Sea surface temperature variability in the eastern equatorial November 26, 2002 When she contemplated graduate school, she said, “I wanted to stay in touch with the world, Pacific during the last deglaciation: multiproxy geochemical and with what the world needed—and get myself out of the basement every now and again.” reconstructions. Keimowitz visited Columbia and met geochemists Jim Simpson, Martin Stute, and Lex van Nagel, Jennifer M. K. Griffin The influence of energetic processes on plant success— December 13, 2002 Geen. At the time, the three were part of a large group of Columbia scientists immersed in an comparative studies of species from various ecosystem types.

ambitious project to learn how, where, and why elevated levels of cancer-causing arsenic were infil- Luo, Zhengzhao A. Del Genio Investigation of tropical cirrus, their variability, evolution, and December 16, 2002 trating shallow aquifers that supplied groundwater to tens of millions of people in Bangladesh. W. Rossow relation to the upper-tropospheric water vapor. Here was an atomic-scale, chemical problem with global-scale, societally relevant applications. Liu, Jiping D. Martinson Sea ice climatology, variations and teleconnections: February 19, 2003 Keimowitz signed on, joining the effort to explore the factors that affect the mobilization and D. Rind observational and modeling studies. transport of arsenic in subsurface waters. Her research has focused on two arsenic-tainted Superfund sites, slated by the federal Vranes, Kevin P. A. Gordon The intraseasonal to interannual variability of the April 28, 2003 Indonesian Throughflow. government for extensive environmental cleanups. One is a capped landfill in Maine, from which two underground leachate plumes are moving through the subsurface, changing the chemistry of Shaman, Jeffrey L. M. Cane Modeling and forecasting land surface wetness conditions, May 9, 2003 groundwater along the way. The plumes create a chemical environment that permits naturally mosquito abundance, and mosquito-borne disease transmission. occurring arsenic in surrounding rocks to leach out of the rocks and into the groundwater. Kelley, Maxwell D. Rind Water traces and the hydrologic cycle in a GCM. May 19, 2003 Her other field site is a former industrial plant in southern New Jersey that carelessly stored arsenic-containing herbicides and fungicides. Over five decades, hundreds of tons of waste Floyd, Jacqueline S. J. Mutter Seismotectonics of mid-ocean ridge propagation. July 24, 2003 arsenic were washed into soils, aquifers, groundwater, streams, and rivers that carried arsenic into Liu, Li J. Hansen Optical characteristics of complex aerosol and cloud particles: October 21, 2003 lakes and estuaries far downstream. M. Mishchenko remote sensing and climatological implications. Alison Keimowitz In both cases—involving both naturally and unnaturally occurring arsenic sources—Keimowitz is Cottrell, Elizabeth D. Walker Differentiation of the Earth from the bottom up: core May 7, 2004 Credit: Bruce Gilbert investigating how arsenic moves through the environment and where it ends up. To understand this lithosphere and crust. multi-faceted, dynamic process, Keimowitz examines samples of groundwater and surrounding Gier, Elizabeth J. C. Langmuir The geological implications of the basalts and sediment of the May 11, 2004 rocks and sediments, takes hydrological measurements of groundwater flow, and performs laboratory Lucky Strike Segment. experiments on materials from the sites. Such knowledge may provide the foundation to remediate arsenic pollution. Song, Qian A. Gordon Modeling the effects of the Indonesian Throughflow on the June 25, 2004 Indian Ocean. One remediation strategy she is investigating involves encouraging microbes in the environment near the landfill to use sulfate in their metabolism to form sulfides. These sulfides can react with Thresher, Duane E. D. Rind Multi-century simulations of LGM and present-day climate using June 30, 2004 arsenic to form arsenic sulfide minerals—thus immobilizing arsenic in a solid phase that doesn’t get G. Schmidt an accelerated coupled GCM carrying water isotope tracers, with comparisons to ocean sediment/ice cores and observations. into groundwater. “I love the interdisciplinary aspects of the work, blending chemistry, microbiology, hydrology, Karspeck, Alicia R. M. Cane Predictability of ENSO on interannual and decadal timescales. July 7, 2004 and geology,” she said. The potential benefits to people and the environment are not incidental Granville, John P. P. Richards Understanding and resolving the systemic differences observed July 9, 2004 sources of gratification. for teleseismic body-wave measurements.

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 34 35 FOCUSED INITIATIVES: BOREHOLE RESEARCH GROUP FOCUSED INITIATIVES: BOREHOLE RESEARCH GROUP

A hole at the bottom THROUGHOUT THE SHORTER HISTORY OF OCEAN shallow fractured rocks. Today logging is no longer a could be mined as a drilling, Lamont scientists have always played a leading secondary procedure, but rather is fully integrated into potential source of new of the ocean role. Ocean drilling for basic scientific research began the drilling process. fuel or that could thaw to Lamont-Doherty borehole in 1968 with the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP), and exacerbate greenhouse researchers help lead ambitious it is no coincidence that Maurice Ewing and J. Lamar AFTER 20 YEARS AND MORE THAN 2,900 warming. Worzel, Lamont’s first director and associate director, seafloor holes drilled, ODP was phased out in 2003 The new drilling tar- new ocean drilling efforts were co-chief scientists leading the first ocean drilling and replaced by the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program gets, both shallow and cruise. The two were instrumental in establishing a (IODP), a consortium uniting equipment and expertise deep, are unstable and WHEN THE WORLDWIDE OCEANOGRAPHIC COM- consortium of oceanographic institutions to muster from scientists in the United States, Japan, and 15 difficult to drill in, making munity launched an ambitious, next-generation program behind and coordinate an expensive ocean drilling European nations. Lamont-Doherty’s Borehole Research core recovery less certain in 2003 to drill samples of the seafloor, Lamont- effort—the Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Group is leading an international logging consortium and downhole logging Doherty assumed its customary position at the Earth Samples (JOIDES). JOIDES created DSDP and for IODP operations. more critical, Goldberg vanguard. Lamont-Doherty’s Borehole Research Group secured a drill ship, Glomar Challenger. The IODP endeavor will include an upgraded U.S. said. The new drilling will provide the international ocean drilling program Ewing and Worzel’s cruise to the Sigsbee Knolls in drill ship. It will be joined in 2006 or 2007 by a $500- technology will also create with broad-based science as well as logging services— the Gulf of Mexico was the first of 96 DSDP drilling legs million, Japanese-built research drill ship, Chikyu, larger holes, with diame- a research tool that the Lamont group pioneered for between 1968 and 1983, when DSDP matured into which has a drilling system that allows far deeper ters big enough to install use by academic researchers. the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP). The new program drilling and that protects against blowouts caused modern downhole instruments that can stay in situ for The Integrated Ocean Drilling Ocean drilling has been an essential means to expanded to include 22 international partners and a when drill bits penetrate pressurized oil and gas longer periods to monitor temperatures, stresses, fluid Program’s new 210-meter- long Japanese-built drill ship probe through the layer cake of subseafloor rock new ship, JOIDES Resolution, an oil exploration ship deposits. These two vessels will be complemented flows, and geochemical changes. Chikyu (“Earth” in Japanese) strata to learn about the dynamics of the Earth and converted for scientific research. by other ships that can drill in the Arctic Ocean and “Considering the complex drilling plans and ambi- is expected to be ready for to reconstruct the history of its changeable climate. During DSDP, scientists focused on studying in coastal waters—areas that were too icy and too tious scientific objectives proposed for IODP, such work in 2006 or 2007. Credit: Japan Marine Science Researchers examine oceanic sediment and rock sam- drilled cores retrieved from the ocean bottom. Logging shallow for the JOIDES Resolution to work in. advances in logging capabilities and high-quality and Technology Center ples cored from the seafloor. But the drilling also tools and techniques, originally developed and used Those areas also contain the most sensitive records downhole data will be critical to achieve its goals,” creates a hole that offers a portal into the layer cake. by the oil and gas exploration industry, were unfamiliar of climate and sea-level change, one of IODP’s three Goldberg said. Finally, the Borehole Group will develop Into these seafloor holes, borehole researchers to many research scientists. But that changed when major research thrusts. Another thrust is Earth’s deep accessible methods for integrating and archiving the David Goldberg deploy a variety of electronic instruments that return Roger Anderson founded Lamont-Doherty’s Borehole structure and geodynamics, ranging from processes in increased volume of logging data collected by IODP. Doherty Senior Scientist to the surface within hours with a vast amount of infor- Research Group, which incorporated logging into deep-sea subduction zones that generate earth- “We consider all IODP data acquired by downhole Credit: Bruce Gilbert mation. As the instruments are drawn up the holes, ODP missions and worked hard to demonstrate the quakes, volcanoes, and volcanic islands, to the Moho, logging to be irreplaceable scientific assets,” he they measure a wide range of rock properties every 15 advantages of logging. the boundary between the crust and the underlying said, “and they will be archived in Web-accessible centimeters or so, collecting a continuous record of Log measurements are taken in situ, in contrast to mantle. A final research thrust includes explorations of public databases.” the Earth’s deep structure and the climate history recovered cores whose material can physically expand a deep biosphere of microbial life that is potentially Many things are changing on the frontiers of ocean preserved in the rocks. or change when no longer under high-pressure condi- thriving in subseafloor regions, and gas hydrates— drilling, but one thing hasn’t: Lamont-Doherty remains Logging tools employ various acoustic, gamma-ray, tions that exist at depth. Drilling can also shatter or deposits of frozen, pressurized ice and methane that at the forefront. and electrical measurement techniques to measure pulverize cores, and often half or more of core samples the elemental composition, temperature, magnetic are lost during the difficult process of retrieval. properties, porosity, electrical resistivity, stratigraphy, Logs provide a continuous record of measurements and other characteristics of rocks. Logging tools pen- throughout geological formations, giving scientists the etrate sometimes more than a mile into subseafloor ability to orient “fragments” within an intermittently geological formations, providing a treasure trove of clues recovered timeline of rocks and to fill in the missing about the Earth’s crust and the myriad processes that pieces in it. In the 1990s, the continuous, high-resolution shape it. The properties and chronology of seafloor measurements provided by logging proved critical to sediments also reveal a record of shifts in ocean scientists seeking to reconstruct a detailed, unbroken temperatures, wind patterns, sea levels, and other chronology of climate change in Earth’s history. climate-induced changes that have occurred over our By 1992, the Borehole Research Group, now led The new drill ship Chikyu will use an outer casing, called a planet’s long history. by David Goldberg, brought the newest industry riser. It surrounds the drill pipe technology to bear in the academic community: logging and provides return circulation while drilling (LWD). Sensors located in the drill pipe, of drilling fluids that maintains pressure balance within the several feet behind the drill bit, take continuous meas- borehole. A blowout preventer urements of rock properties while the hole is being (BOP) protects the vessel against blowouts caused when drilled. LWD not only enhances the logging process drill bits penetrate pressurized With its 202-foot derrick, the drill by adding a while-drilling measurement, it also ensures water, oil or gas zones. The ship JOIDES Resolution (seen that information is captured, even if the hole destabilizes drilling system allows far deep- here off the coast of Astoria, er drilling—perhaps up to 7 Ore., in June 2004) has been a during drilling and collapses, which is not an infrequent kilometers below the seafloor. workhorse for the international occurrence, especially in new and challenging drilling Credit: Courtesy of Integrated scientific community since 1985. target environments such as deeply buried faults and Ocean Drilling Program Credit: Gilles Guerin Management International

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 36 37 FOCUSED INITIATIVES: REMOTE SENSING FOCUSED INITIATIVES: REMOTE SENSING

The View from Above Remote Sensing with Light: A Lamont-Doherty team used new synthetic aperture radar polarimetry-based methods to survey what remained of the Apache-Stigreaves National Forest in Remote Sensing at Lamont-Doherty Satellites images of ocean color Arizona, after a two-week wildfire that burned nearly 500,000 acres in 2002. Earth Observatory reveal where life and carbon abound SAR polarimetry involves several bands of polarized microwave energy, trans- mitted to and scattered back from the ground. Using SAR, the scientists created HUMANS ARE MERELY DOTS ON OUR GREAT THE OCEAN ISN’T ALWAYS BLUE. IN SOME burn-severity maps of both the burned area and adjacent unburned forest. The planet. To gain perspective on large-scale events that places, it is green; in others, brown. occur over wide areas of Earth’s surface, Lamont- By studying the ocean’s color, measured by satellite SAR maps (left) matched maps made with conventional optical instruments Doherty scientists have stepped back, or more accu- sensors, Ajit Subramaniam and colleagues at Lamont- (right), which, unlike SARs, cannot be used at night or under adverse weather rately, gone aloft. They are using a range of remote Doherty are advancing knowledge about where and conditions. In the SAR map, the burned forest appears mainly blue; the sensing instruments aboard aircraft and satellites. why single-cell plants at the base of the marine food unburned forest is mainly green. In the conventional map, white represents Remote sensing instruments operate in various chain grow. And they are tracking how photosynthetic severely burned; dark gray is unburned. wavelength bands of the electromagnetic radiation plants may mitigate global warming—by extracting (EMR) spectrum, from visible light across the near, heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere short-wave, and thermal infrared, and on out to and changing it into carbon taken up by the ocean. Ajit Subramaniam microwaves and radio waves. Passive sensors meas- Sunlight entering the ocean is either absorbed by Credit: Ronnie Anderson ure radiation such as reflected sunlight or heat emitted water molecules and materials in the water, or reflect- from Earth’s surface. Active sensors transmit EMR ed back out of the ocean. Pure water absorbs red light signals that reflect off Earth’s surface and are recorded very strongly and scatters blue light, so open ocean back at the sensor. waters with little material in them appear deep blue. Remote Sensing with bare land surface and water, but they bounce many Remote sensing techniques offer several advan- Phytoplankton contain chlorophyll that strongly times from more complicated surfaces covered by tages: They can be used to study remote or harsh absorbs blue and red light, making phytoplankton- Microwaves: vegetation, creating a telltale SAR signal. locations that are otherwise difficult to access routinely, filled waters appear green. Waters containing dissolved Mapping natural disasters with A Lamont-Doherty research team led by Jeff or to map large swaths of Earth’s surface at a time. For organic carbon material strongly absorb blue light, Synthetic Aperture Radar technology Weissel has successfully used airborne SAR polarimetry example, sensors aboard Earth-orbiting satellites map making them appear brown. to map landscape changes caused by landslides our planet’s entire surface, both land and ocean, Using satellite measurements of light leaving the resulting from the 1999 7.6-magnitude Chi-Chi earth- several times a day, every day. Each ocean surface at specific wavelengths, Lamont-Doherty LAMONT-DOHERTY SCIENTISTS HAVE DEMON- quake in Taiwan and by lava flows from a major eruption Remote sensing can two-minute scene recorded by such a scientists have developed algorithms—mathematical strated for the first time the effectiveness of imaging of the Manam Island volcano, offshore Papua New be used to study remote satellite sensor, which has a resolution equations—to create maps identifying high-concentra- microwave instruments—polarimetric airborne Synthetic Guinea, in 1996. In 2002, in the wake of a two-week of 1 kilometer, would take 11 years for tion areas of phytoplankton, dissolved organic material, Aperture Radars (SARs)—in assessing damage to wildfire that burned nearly 500,000 acres in the or harsh locations that an average ship to survey. and suspended sediments in the sea. By combining landscapes from natural hazards and disasters. SAR Apache-Stigreaves National Forest in Arizona, they are otherwise difficult to Lamont-Doherty scientists are maps of phytoplankton, light, and sea surface temper- polarimeters provide disaster response teams with used the technique to create burn-severity maps of involved in diverse research programs— atures—all derived from satellite measurements—the new tools to collect critical information at any time of access routinely. both the burned area and an adjacent unburned on land, over oceans, and in the researchers can begin to investigate the locations and day and under adverse conditions. Unlike more con- forest. The SAR maps matched those made with atmosphere—that employ remote sens- factors (light, temperatures, nutrients) that promote ventional aerial photography, SARs can be used day or conventional optical instruments. ing data from airborne and satellite sensors (as well phytoplankton growth, as well as where plankton-eat- night and can “see” through clouds, smoke, and dust. as hand-held spectrophotometers that measure sun- ing fish may be more plentiful. SARs on airplanes or satellites transmit short light reflecting off surfaces). We highlight two of the Subramaniam is also using ocean color satellite bursts, or “pulses,” of microwave energy obliquely Observatory’s remote sensing research programs, data to map dissolved carbon in waters off the U.S. East downward and record microwave signals scattered which utilize data from opposite ends of the electro- Coast. Plants, on land and in the sea, convert carbon back from objects on the ground. The SAR antenna records multiple signals from the objects, as the plane A SeaWiFS satellite image of magnetic spectrum. dioxide from the atmosphere via photosynthesis into phytoplankton concentration organic carbon. When they die, some carbon dioxide or satellite moves along its flight path. This effectively in the mid-Atlantic and South is released back into the air by bacterial decomposi- synthesizes a “large aperture” antenna that generates Atlantic Bights on Oct. 9, 1999, shows a freshwater tion. But a portion may be permanently removed from higher-resolution images of ground targets. plume seen as a jet of high the atmosphere, thus mitigating global warming. Polarimeters add even more information and detail. chlorophyll extending from the Understanding how carbon is distributed, transformed, They transmit polarized microwaves, which vibrate in Outer Banks in North Carolina. Red lines show the track of and transported through the Earth system enhances either the horizontal or vertical plane. The back-scattered a research cruise that meas- our ability to predict climate change and to detect microwaves also vibrate in both planes, providing more ured in-situ chlorophyll levels. human activities that have environmental impacts. data on the nature of the target materials. The measurements showed that this jet had extremely Landscape changes caused by landslides, volcanic high dissolved organic matter Chris Small uses a field spectrometer to measure the visible and eruptions, or fires alter the way microwaves are scat- absorption and was the runoff infrared reflectance of sediment types in chars—giant sand or mud tered back to SARs, giving scientists the ability to map after three hurricanes (Dennis, islands that appear, disappear, or move during the annual floods Floyd, and Irene) had passed of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers. The measurements are terrain affected by these hazards. In humid climates, over North Carolina. used to calibrate satellite images in a NASA-funded study to map for example, disasters remove or disrupt natural vege- changes in riverbanks and chars over the past 30 years. Such changes displaced an estimated 700,000 people during the 1980s. tation cover; polarized microwaves bounce once off

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 38 39 FOCUSED INITIATIVES: DATA MANAGEMENT FOR THE GEOSCIENCES FOCUSED INITIATIVES: DATA MANAGEMENT FOR THE GEOSCIENCES

In the mid-1990s, Bill Ryan continued the LDEO Lamont-Doherty scientists have created data manage- data management tradition, creating a database of ment systems to provide researchers with easy access multibeam sonar seafloor bathymetry collected on to a wide variety of earth sciences data archives. RIDGE Program cruises to study mid-ocean ridges. [Clockwise from top] The Marine Geoscience Data Charles Langmuir and Ryan launched PetDB, a geo- chemical database in the late 1990s. Management System gives research cruise information At the dawn of the 21st century, Lamont-Doherty and field data (shown here, the RAIT02 cruise of R/V is once again pioneering next-generation information Thomas Washington); PetDB provides access to a technology tools and techniques to preserve, dissem- global geochemical data set for ocean floor rocks (e.g. inate, and integrate an exploding volume and diversity radiogenic isotopes for basalts collected during the of geoscience data. The goal, said Kerstin Lehnert, RAIT02 cruise); GeoMapApp offers visualization of Coordinator of Research Administration at LDEO, is to “generate thrilling opportunities for a formerly unimagin- bathymetry/topography data, here integrated with data able research infrastructure—in which vast amounts of from PetDB (sample locations and compiled chemistry). data can be archived; made easily accessible to global and diverse audiences; and linked in ways that reduce barriers of location, time, institution, and discipline.” Over the past decade, rapid advances in instru- ments that observe, analyze, and model have led to an explosion of incoming information. It has overwhelmed In both cases, Lin said, the database served valu- These projects are part of the Marine Geoscience Mining a mother lode of data scientists’ ability to store their own data, let alone able educational purposes. It efficiently brings a wealth Data Management System (DMS) at www.marine- take full advantage of the vast data piling up in other LDEO pioneers information technology of knowledge to students and to more seasoned sci- geo.org. The new system provides access to seismic scientists’ computers, in widely scattered archives, or tools to manage and share vast entists, who may have expertise in geophysics but not data of the structure of the crust and mantle; tracks of in hundreds of scientific publications. in geochemistry. research cruises; seafloor maps made with the most volumes of scientific data In response, LDEO researchers began to exploit “My research has benefited tremendously, thanks advanced underwater mapping technology; magnetic modern advances in digital connectivity and informa- to Lamont’s long-term vision of data management,” and gravity data; and photographs and samples Kerstin Lehnert (left) and IN 1952, MARIE THARP AT THE NEWLY FOUNDED tion technology to provide easy access to scientific Suzanne Carbotte Lin said. of rocks, sediments, and biological communities Lamont Geological Observatory compiled seafloor data, to link data centers around the world, and to Credit: Bruce Gilbert found on the seafloor obtained with submersibles and sounding data and discovered that the Atlantic Ocean offer scientists an archive for their new or previously TO BROADEN DATA RESOURCES FOR SOLID other vehicles. was bisected by a rift valley. Then, she superimposed unarchived data, Lehnert said. data on oceanic earthquake locations and found that Earth geochemistry, PetDB has joined with GEOROC, a The Marine Geoscience DMS includes a new geochemistry database run by the Max-Planck Institute tool, GeoMapApp (www.geomapapp.org), which gives they aligned with the rift valley. AS A GRADUATE STUDENT, JIAN LIN, NOW A for Chemistry in Germany, and NAVDAT, a National anyone with Internet access the ability to browse Thus was born the revolutionary concept of mid- geophysicist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Science Foundation (NSF)-funded database for North through massive data sets (data mining) and to explore ocean ridges. It was an early lesson of the value of used to drive to Lamont to peruse data. Today, he, American volcanic and igneous rocks, to found the the data visually (data visualization). amassing and integrating diverse data sets. along with colleagues and students, are using PetDB EarthChem consortia (www.earthchem.org). One of the With GeoMapApp, an individual can The goal is to generate thrilling The lesson continued in the 1960s. Lamont scien- (http://www.petdb.org). The information system now consortia’s objectives is to better integrate geochemical select an area from a detailed global tists acquired first-generation computers to store and contains geochemical analyses for seafloor igneous opportunities for a formerly data with other types of data. Such integration has topographic map, zoom in to see high- display the wealth of bathymetric, seismic, magnetic, rocks compiled from more than 900 scientific papers, been seriously hampered by the lack of uniform proto- er-resolution imagery, generate and unimaginable research infra- gravity and other data collected by its globetrotting ships, reports, dissertations, and even data that were never cols to name samples consistently and unambiguously. download a custom map, and then and they wrote pioneering software to analyze them. published in journals because of space limitations. structure—in which vast amounts To address this problem, Lamont-Doherty is devel- select from a menu of other comple- “We were sitting on the mother lode with all the Since 2001, more than 70 papers in major scientific of data can be archived, made oping an online sample registry named SESAR (Solid mentary data that have been collected tools needed to mine it,” Lamont-Doherty geophysicist journals have cited PetDB as a source for data. Earth SAmple Registry at www.geosamples.org). It will in the selected area. easily accessible, and linked. Dennis Hayes wrote. “With the data and the means Lin used PetDB to provide critical data to test a provide each sample with a unique serial number, the “Until now, scientists would have to to analyze and synthesize them, we were perfectly theory that the sources of hotspot plumes lie deep in International Geo Sample Number, or IGSN—similar to know what data existed, who has them, how to get positioned to test, validate, define, and refine the the mantle. “The database allowed us to compare dif- a book’s ISBN, or International Standard Book Number. them, and then learn how to manipulate the data,” said simple, elegant, but revolutionary theories of seafloor ferent hotspots from all over the globe in a consistent The IGSN will dramatically advance interoperability Carbotte, who heads the DMS team. “We want to pro- spreading and plate tectonics.” way,” he said. “You can find something locally, and with among information systems for sample-based data. vide a tool to allow people to explore global databases The term “data management” smacks of dull house- the database, you can quickly find out whether the In 2002 and 2003, Lamont-Doherty won four NSF without being experts, to explore the data visually, to keeping, but Lamont-Doherty has always realized that same process applies globally.” awards to create databases for bathymetry and evaluate relationships between different types of data, it provides a critical pathway to exciting discovery. In another project, Lin’s graduate student compiled geophysical data from the Southern Ocean; seismic and to interact with the data in new ways.” “These data are extremely expensive to collect and geochemical data for rocks collected near the Icelandic reflection data; and data for the Ridge 2000 and represent a significant part of the legacy of our hotspot. They indicated that different mantle processes MARGINS programs (the geoscience community’s research,” said LDEO geophysicist Suzanne Carbotte. may be at work in different areas around the hotspot. long-term programs to study the formation, evolution, “Without data management systems, the data may “A project like that would have taken weeks without and eventual destruction of oceanic crust). be lost or inaccessible for uses beyond those of the PetDB, rather than days,” Lin said. “And instead of con- original researchers.” firming a hypothesis, it may lead to a surprising discovery.”

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 40 41 SPECIAL EVENTS AND AWARDS SPECIAL EVENTS AND AWARDS

[right] Samir Patel, an Earth and Environmental Journalism student, with young visitors at the “Where are We?” exhibit, Open House 2003. Credit: Sara Kopcsak

[far right] Earth Institute Director Jeffrey Sachs and Lamont Director Michael Purdy with students 03 Credit: Bruce Gilbert

Public Lecture Series 2003 1949 until his death in 1962, he was a favorite returning activities for children, as research associate at Lamont-Doherty, was the new “Plant a Seed, Watch it Grow” The award is not necessarily given every where he collaborated with Frank Press, activity in the research greenhouse. For the year. Except in truly exceptional circum- March 2, 2003 former president of the National Academy first time this year, visitors included about stances, only one award is given. Exploring the Hudson & Finding of Sciences, and Maurice Ewing, Lamont- 200 high school students from around the Sunken Treasures Doherty’s founder, on a well-known country who have expressed an interest in Robin E. Bell, Doherty Senior and widely used scientific book, “Wave studying science at Columbia College. April 2003 Propagation in Layered Media.” The Research Scientist Lamont-Doherty Excellence in Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Jardetzky lecture was established in 1992 by Dr. Jardetzky’s son Oleg, who is the Mentoring Award Earth Institute Lectures Robert F. Anderson, Geochemistry March 30, 2003 founder of the Magnetic Resonance Laboratory and professor of molecular This award recognizes the importance Plumbing the Depths: Volcanoes pharmacology at Stanford University. In of quality mentoring, which benefits the September 16, 2003 02 as Windows into the Dynamics of the endowing the lectureship, Dr. Jardetzky institution as a whole, its junior members Deep Earth said he hoped it would “help enrich the The Secret of Lake Vostok, Antarctica (including graduate students, Postdocs, Marc Spiegelman, Associate Professor, outstanding tradition of the Lamont-Doherty A lecture by Robin E. Bell, and Associate Research Scientists), and Earth and Environmental Sciences Earth Observatory, which provided a much Doherty Senior Research Scientist the mentors themselves. The award Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory cherished intellectual home to my father Sponsored by The Earth Institute recipient receives a $2,000 cash prize after he immigrated to this country.” at Columbia Universty and a certificate. The recipient’s name April 27, 2003 is engraved on a plaque that is displayed Open House Sponsored by the Lamont-Doherty December 3, 2003 at the Observatory. Open House 2002 Alumni Association: Climate and Society Credit: Rachel Cobb October 5, 2002 Farms, Plagues, and Climate Open House A lecture by Mark Cane Bill Ruddiman, Professor Emeritus, April 2003 El Niño 2002-2003, G. Unger Vetlesen Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Predicting and Preparing October 4, 2003 Earth and Climate Sciences Storke-Doherty Lectureship University of Virginia Sponsored by The Earth Institute Lamont-Doherty’s 2002 Open House took The Science of Earth Nili Harnik, Ocean & Climate Physics place on Saturday, October 5, 2002. The at Columbia University This four-year term award will be made May 18, 2003 Lamont-Doherty Earth focus of the Open House was the science Observatory’s 2003 to an individual selected from among the Lamont’s Tree-Ring Laboratory and consequences behind El Niño. In Open House took place pool of eligible candidates on the basis of Panel presentation by Gordon Jacoby, addition to the El Niño exhibits, there were on Saturday, October 4, outstanding scientific merit and potential. Brendan Buckley and Edward Cook 2003 Awards exhibits on dinosaurs, volcanoes, the 2003, and, as always, The award is made jointly with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Hudson River, and wild species in urban was both well-attended Department of Earth and Environmental environments. and well-appreciated by the visitors. The February 2003 Sciences. June 8, 2003 theme was The Science of Earth. The Mark Cane The R/V Maurice Ewing dozens of exhibits and lectures included 2003 Robert L. and Bettie P. Cody Panel presentation by Mike Purdy and topics such as Global Climate Change and, Award in Ocean Sciences from Scripps Paul Ljunggren closer to home, Rockland County Droughts. Institution of Oceanography at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory “Mr. Wizard” (Dave Walker) and “Bathtub University of California, San Diego Science” (starring Marc Spiegelman) were February 24, 2003 Jardetzky Lecture Director’s Award for Outstanding Research Performance

September 5, 2003 Robert F. Anderson, Geochemistry Awardee: Alan Levander, As part of the annual merit review process, Rice University, Houston TX the Associate Directors of the Research Divisions and the Chairman of the Lecture Title: Department of Earth and Environmental Imag(in)ing the Continental Lithosphere Sciences are encouraged to identify and nominate to the Director an individual who The Jardetzky lecture in geophysics has displayed exceptional levels of per- formance throughout the previous year. Dave Walker hosted a very honors the late Wenceslas S. Jardetzky, a popular “Mr. Wizard” exhibit, renowned researcher and educator whose This is a $10,000 cash award. The Open House 2002 flourishing scientific career in Europe was awardee(s) is selected by the Director in Credit: Ronnie Anderson halted by World War II and revived after Visitors at the Tree Ring Lab exhibit, consultation with the Associate Directors. he immigrated to the United States. From Open House 2003

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University

42 43 SPECIAL EVENTS AND AWARDS SPECIAL EVENTS AND AWARDS

[far left] Taro Takahashi (right) Gordon Jacoby from the Tree- 2003 Fellow American Ring Lab presenting along with Geophysical Union colleagues Ed Cook and Brendan Buckley, May 18, 2003 [left] Gerard Bond (left) 2003 Maurice Ewing Medal American Geophysical Union 04

Earth Institute Lectures are doing essentially nothing to prepare 2003 Awards December 2003 for this. Why not? What limits our ability April 2004 to take action to prepare for change, or Taro Takahashi Kevin L. Griffin February 3, 2004 to try to stop it? 2003 Fellow 2004 Lamont-Doherty Excellence Dennis V. Kent American Geophysical Union The Monitoring of Nuclear Explosions in Mentoring Award 03 Rutgers University and LDEO Why, How and What Do We Learn? This symposium addressed these ques- 2003 Arthur L. Day Medal (Fall 2003) A lecture by Paul Richards tions in cross-disciplinary discussions Geological Society of America among climate scientists, political scientists, December 2003 Mellon Professor of Natural Sciences and 2003 VMSG Medal (Fall 2003) Sponsored by The Earth Institute at engineers, economists, and ethicists work- Vening Meinesz School of Geodynamics Gerard Bond Columbia University ing together to prioritize the issues and (picture on next page) 2003 Maurice Ewing Medal identify the most fundamental barriers. A American Geophysical Union final panel articulated a set of constructive conclusions helpful for international action. Public Lecture Series 2004 Dee Breger first This symposium was led by G. Michael prize photo: Bill Thompson Purdy, Director of the Lamont-Doherty Mongolian Frost Goodfriend Prize April 4, 2004 Earth Observatory; John Mutter, Rings, Siberian Graduate student Bill Thompson won the Earthquake Prediction Deputy Director of the Earth Institute at Pine (sample, 2003-2004 Goodfriend Prize for his paper in the Shadow of Chaos Columbia University, and the planning Gordon Jacoby). “An open-system model for Uranium- Bruce E. Shaw, Doherty Research Scientist group consisted of Klaus Lackner, Ewing Worzel Professor of Geophysics, series age determinations of fossil corals” Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Lamont Director Mike Purdy Columbia University; Geoffrey Heal, Paul (Earth and Planetary Letters 210, 365-381, with Kevin Griffin 2003). The prize is given annually by April 18, 2004 Garret Professor of Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility, Columbia LDEO and the Department of Earth and Revealing the Deep: Science and Business School, and Roberto Lenton, Environmental Sciences for an outstanding Engineering in Deep Ocean Exploration Executive Director, Secretariat for April 2004 student paper in Paleoclimatology. Dr. Sponsored by the Lamont-Doherty International Affairs and Development, Florentin Maurrasse (PhD ‘73) established Alumni Association Storke-Doherty Lectureship International Research Institute for September 2003 the prize in 2003 in memory of his friend Daniel J. Fornari, Senior Scientist Del Bohnenstiehl, Climate Prediction, Columbia University. December 2003 and colleague Glenn A. Goodfriend. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine Geology & Geophysics Dee Breger won both first and second Credit: Sara Kopcsak Columbia University, Morningside Campus prizes in the photography category of the George Kukla first annual 2003 Science and Engineering 2003 Milutin Milankovitch Medal May 2, 2004 Visualization Challenge, a joint project European Geosciences Union African Climate Changes of the National Science Foundation and and Human Evolution 2004 Awards Science Magazine designed to “encourage Peter B. deMenocal, Associate Professor recognition of the visual and conceptual Earth and Environmental Sciences beauty of science and engineering” and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory communicate science to the general public. Two of her micrographs won finalist May 23, 2004 positions in the 2002 Royal Geographical The Air We Breathe: Air Pollution Society’s Photographer of the Year contest and New York City Subways and she also won the Whiting Memorial Steven N. Chillrud, Award of 2002 from the International Doherty Research Scientist Society for Philosophical Enquiry. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

C250 Symposium Earth’s Future: April 2004 Taming the Climate Dennis Kent Elected to National Academy April 22–23, 2004 of Sciences Credit: Sara Kopcsak The Earth’s climate is constantly changing, and we know from history that these changes can have dramatic impacts upon the habitability of our planet, and yet we

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 44 45 DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT

We are grateful to those who made this $100+ donors growth happen and are encouraged by JULY 1, 2002 - JUNE 30, 2004 Anonymous (4) Gary Latham signs that this growth may continue in Dennis Adler Jean M. Leo Yash Aggarwal Robert Lifgren the future. Charles Amendola Donald Lovejoy Janet Anderson William Ludwig Thomas Anderson John Maguire BP Foundation Stephen Marshak David Black William Marshall Morrie and Marianne Brown Florentin Maurrasse Virginia Butters Arthur McGarr A second kind of support is research support. Steven Cande Andrew and Barbara McIntyre Torrey Cliff Society Typically, this involves salary support for scientists to Kenneth Ciriacks Mellon Foundation pursue their research, as well as funding for equip- Millard F. Coffin Morgan Stanley FOR MANY DONORS, AN OUTRIGHT GIFT IS NOT ment, travel, and technical support. Again, we have a Comer Science and Education Foundation Noriyuki Nasu the best means of achieving their philanthropic or estate lead contributor in this category, the Comer Science Rebekah Creshkoff Suzanne O’Connell planning goals. Carefully planned gifts can offer signif- and Education Foundation, which has supported H. James Dorman Virginia Oversby icant estate tax and income benefits, while at the same a number of climate-related projects across the Stephen Eittreim Palisades Geophysical Institute, Inc. Wolfgang Elston time allowing donors to make larger gifts than would Observatory, especially the work of our renowned Michael Passow Development Peter Eschweiler Dee Pederson be possible otherwise. The Torrey Cliff Society comprises researcher Wallace Broecker, Newberry Professor of ExxonMobil Foundation Michael Perfit people who have included the Lamont-Doherty Earth Earth and Environmental Sciences. Other supporters From left to right: Timothy A FINANCIAL REPORT IN THE ADMINISTRATION ExxonMobil Upstream Research James Periconi Observatory in their estate plans, or who have made life of our research over the past two years have included Harwood, Doug Brusa, section of this report (page 49) indicates that giving to Rodger Faill Edward Potter income gift arrangements with Columbia University. Sara Kopcsak Ford Motor Co., Unocal, ExxonMobil, and the Texas Lamont-Doherty (a combination of gifts and private Herbert and Ethel Feely Frank and Billie Press The Society is named for the estate on which Credit: Bruce Gilbert Energy Center. grants and contracts) rose from $1.7 million for the year W. Arnold Finck Richard Quittmeyer Lamont-Doherty is located, which was donated to Third, there are a number of gifts that do not fall ending June 30, 2003, to $2.9 million for the year ending Thomas Fitch James Robertson Columbia in 1948 and which had been named “Torrey into either of the above categories, but are gifts ear- June 30, 2004. For 2001, the figure was $1.4 million. Ford Motor Company William Ryan Cliff” by its original owners, Thomas and Florence marked for areas other than specific research projects. We are grateful to those who made this growth P. Jeffrey Fox Science Museum of Long Island Lamont, for America’s famed 19th-century botanist, This might include the establishment of an endowment Nestor Granelli Joseph Stennett happen and are encouraged by signs that this growth John Torrey. The Society allows Lamont-Doherty to to support a researcher or graduate student, or sup- Frank Gumper Sun Microsystems Computer, Inc. may continue in the future. Gifts to the Observatory recognize the generosity of its members, who are port of a broader area of concern. Into this category John Hall Eric Sundquist come in many forms, but for the purposes of this report inducted each fall just before Open House. fell Florentin Maurrasse, who established the Glenn Gordon Hamilton George Sutton we will divide them into three categories. First, and Becoming a member of the Torrey Cliff Society also Goodfriend Fellowship, and the Palisades Geophysical Douglas Hammond Lisa Tauxe perhaps most welcome, are unrestricted gifts for oper- makes you eligible for membership in Columbia’s 1754 Institute, which provided an endowment, which must Timothy B. Harwood Texas Energy Center ating support. Into this category falls the annual fund, Society, the honorary society for alumni and friends be matched, to support engineering innovation. Heimbold Foundation Leon Thomsen which is discussed in greater detail later in this report. who have included the University in their estate plans. In addition, Esther Dauch left a bequest that will David Heit David Thurber However, chief among our unrestricted donors is the Membership has no dues, obligations, or solicitations, endow a senior research position in memory of her Thomas Herron Seymour Topping G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation, whose unrivaled support but it provides a way for the University to say thanks. son, Bruce C. Heezen, who was instrumental in mapping Ki-Iti Horai Mary Tremblay over many years has made a tremendous difference in The following is a list of Torrey Cliff Society members the ocean floor in the early days of the Observatory. Ge Hu Susan Trumbore the Observatory’s ability to withstand temporary lapses as of June 30, 2004. Of course, we are grateful for every gift that comes Marc Joseph Unocal, Inc. in government funding, as well as to take advantage of in to the Observatory, but due to constraints of space Ellen Kappel-Berman Peter Van de Water unexpected opportunities to the maximum advantage. Helmut Katz Harry Van Santford and readers’ patience, we cannot describe each one. TORREY CLIFF SOCIETY The Vetlesen Foundation supports specific areas of the Quentin J. Kennedy Foundation Richard Wallace However, following is a list of all individuals, corpora- Nestor C.L. Granelli Observatory as well, particularly our climate research Robert Kovach L.A. Weeks tions or foundations that made gifts of $100 or more Helmut Katz activities, and sponsors the Vetlesen Prize, but the Paul Krusic John Wehmiller during the 2002-2004 academic years. John Maguire impact of its operating support is as great, or greater. Naresh Kumar Verizon Foundation Rudi Markl There were also several anonymous donors over John Kuo G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation Andrew and Barbara McIntyre David Lammlein Charles Windisch the past two years, and although we don’t know Marie Tharp whether it was one person who made multiple gifts or Lillian Langseth more than one person, we thank you, whoever you are!

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 46 47 LAMONT-DOHERTY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LAMONT-DOHERTY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Unlike many alumni associations dedicated only to academic degree recipients, the Lamont-Doherty Alumni

Association welcomes the participation of former faculty, Open House 2003 Alumni Association Meeting: (clock- students, staff, and visiting scientists. wise from top) Lamont Director Mike Purdy with board members Arnold Finck, Bill Ryan, Joyce O’Dowd and Mike Rawson (not pictured: Jeff Fox, Steve Eittreim, Art McGarr, and Jim Dorman).

FOLD Dinner attendees, October 8, 2004 Alumni Association Newsletter and Web page ALUMNI-PUBLIC LECTURES 2002 – 2004 “Farms, Plagues and Climate” The Alumni Association supports the publication of the Bill Ruddiman, PhD 1969 THE PURPOSE OF THE LAMONT-DOHERTY LDEO Newsletter for Alumni and Friends. The newslet- Professor Emeritus, Department of Environmental Sciences, Friends of Lamont-Doherty Alumni Association is to advance the interest and pro- ter is mailed twice a year to alumni and friends and University of Virginia mote the welfare of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, contains updates on what is happening at LDEO, April 27, 2003 As the Annual Fund grew in the few years since its cre- as well as to foster communications and interactions stories about current scientific projects, and profiles of ation, it became evident that extra thanks were due to among its alumni. The membership includes past alumni. The association also maintains a Web page “Revealing the Deep: Science and Engineering a special group of contributors to the fund. Friends of Lamont-Doherty graduate students, postdoctoral fel- in Deep Ocean Exploration” where alumni can keep their contact information Lamont-Doherty (FOLD) was created to recognize that lows, scientists, visiting scholars, and former employees. Daniel Fornari, PhD 1978 current, read and contribute “Stories of Lamont,” and group of individuals who have made annual contribu- The Lamont-Doherty Alumni Association was found- Chief Scientist for Deep Submergence, access newsletters online. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution tions of $500 or more to the Annual Fund. ed as a result of the Observatory’s 50th Anniversary April 18, 2004 Members of FOLD receive invitations to Observatory celebrations in 1999. Unlike many alumni associations Alumni reunions and special events including lectures and symposia. A dinner dedicated only to academic degree recipients, the is held annually in their honor at which a presentation Lamont-Doherty Alumni Association welcomes the Alumni-Public Lectures Annual Fund is made on a topic of current scientific interest. participation of former faculty, students, staff, and After the wonderful reunions of the 50th Anniversary Alumni Association visiting scientists. More than 1,200 people have reg- celebrations in 1999, the common refrain was “Let’s The Alumni Association sponsors the Annual Fund, a President Jeff Fox istered as Alumni Association members. not wait another 50 years to do this again!” With that critical source of funding that can be spent on needs 2003 – 2004 FOLD MEMBERS Alumni Association activities are guided by a volun- in mind, the Alumni Association now organizes and for which there is no government support, including Dennis Adler teer board of directors drawn from the membership. hosts three alumni receptions a year: at the Alumni communications with alumni and friends. From its start Morrie and Marianne Brown The board meets three times a year to give guidance Association-sponsored Spring Public Lecture at in 2001, contributions by many alumni and friends have P. Jeffrey Fox to the Observatory on alumni matters including three LDEO, during Open House, and at the Fall Meeting of made the annual fund a significant contributor to the Frank Gumper principal areas of activity: outreach to friends and alumni, the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco. financial well-being of the Observatory. Leif Christian Heimbold lectures and reunions, and fund-raising. Each of the reunions in the past two years has had Some of our contributors are attendees at our Thomas Herron a good turnout and provided many opportunities for Spring Public Lectures and Open House and wish to Ki-Iti Horai Marc Joseph LAMONT-DOHERTY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION alumni to meet and catch up with each other as well help support our public programs. We thank all Annual Quentin J. Kennedy BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2003-2004 as with current Lamonters. Fund supporters for their support. Donald W. Lovejoy President As a part of the Observatory’s Spring Public Florentin J-M.R. Maurrasse P. Jeffrey Fox Lecture Series, the Association sponsors a reception James J. Periconi, Esq. and helps select an alumni speaker who gives the Edward E. Potter Directors Alumni-Public Lecture. James H. Robertson H. James Dorman William B.F. Ryan Stephen Eittreim Charles C. Windisch RY ARTH OBSERVATO W. Arnold Finck MONT-DOHERTY E LA T COLUM BIA UNIVERSITY THE EARTH INSTITUTE A Arthur McGarr Joyce O’Dowd Michael Rawson William B.F. Ryan

RESTLESS EAR [far right] Newsletter TH OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, O CTOBER 9TH 2004 [right] 2003 Open House 10 00 AM-4:00 PM postcard invitation

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University

48 49 ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION

In each case, center and divisional administrators Statement of Changes in Fund Balances for Fiscal Year 2004 July 1, 2002 – June 30, 2004 provide the necessary link between scientific activities Endowment Endowment Institutional Total Total and the core administrative services required to Grants Gifts Income Principal Support FY04 FY03 REVENUES Government Grants & Contracts support these operations. National Science Foundation 36,697,776 36,697,776 21,845,432 SubContracts 8,243,580 8,243,580 6,977,626 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1,143,905 1,143,905 1,057,711 National Aeronautics and Space Administration 1,159,823 1,159,823 1,552,145 Defense Threat Reduction Agency 187,455 187,455 0 National Institutes of Health 924,463 924,463 1,616,452 Office of Naval Research 486,359 486,359 408,787 The Observatory’s senior Miscellaneous 891,819 891,819 336,944 administrative staff. From left U.S. Geological Survey 315,385 315,385 479,531 to right: Tom Eberhard, Ray N.Y. Department of Long, Pam Stambaugh, Mary Environmental Conservation 104,974 104,974 5,000 Mokhtari, Ron Schmidt, Department of Energy 764,791 764,791 92,500 George Papa, and Dick Greco. Private Grants & Contracts 1,148,673 1,148,673 773,995 Credit: Bruce Gilbert Gifts 1,086,880 711,709 1,798,589 957,241 Investment Income 4,524 3,658,147 3,662,671 3,485,056 Realized Gain (Loss) 6,412,834 6,412,834 590,475 Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) 3,623,200 3,623,200 2,628,242 Other Sources 12,238 1,328,690 1,340,928 1,433,425 Total Revenues 52,069,003 1,091,404 3,658,147 10,759,981 1,328,690 68,907,225 44,240,562

EXPENDITURES Sponsored Research Expenditures 21,329,598 21,329,598 22,472,102 Administrative & Facility Costs 7,674,861 353,154 8,028,015 7,972,575 Marine Expense Recovered by Grants 7,627,256 7,627,256 5,086,599 Marine Recovery in Excess of Expense (453,469) (453,469) 1,662,547 Administration trators are part of the creative research environment Research Support Expenditures 824,208 3,063,397 1,068,447 4,956,052 4,009,861 unique to each unit, they are well-placed to provide the External Affairs & Fundraising 628,267 628,267 632,422 Ancilliary Services 178,043 178,043 163,337 appropriate support. SINCE LAMONT-DOHERTY EARTH OBSERVATORY Plant (Capital) Expenditures 646,321 646,321 863,922 One of the primary responsibilities of administration Internal Grants & Seed Funding Expenditures 840,416 840,416 997,743 is located across the Hudson River north of the main is to maintain the financial and mandatory require- Total Expenditures 36,178,246 824,208 3,063,397 0 3,714,648 43,780,499 43,861,108 campus on Morningside Heights, the Observatory ments of any gift, grant or contract without being requires a separate but coordinated administrative overly burdensome or interfering with the institution’s staff to maintain effective and efficient operations. primary research activities. Informed individuals will Although formally an extension of Columbia University’s always disagree about just where this balance lies, but TRANSFERS central operations, the Observatory’s administration is we at Lamont-Doherty feel that we are pretty close to Transfer Among Funds (94,475) (733,931) (2,870,267) 2,728,920 (969,753) (2,193,096) able to offer direct, on-site services to the research Budget Adjustments: Close Out Grants 0 119 the correct mix. community on the Lamont campus. Grant Carryforwards Adjustments (55,791) (55,791) (149,488) Total Transfers (55,791) (94,475) (733,931) (2,870,267) 2,728,920 (1,025,544) (2,342,465) The Observatory’s administration is organized around a set of core functions, including Grants and George A. Papa Net Increase(Decrease) For The Year 15,834,966 172,721 (139,181) 7,889,714 342,962 24,101,182 (1,963,011) Contracts, Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, Fund Balance At Beginning of Year 23,675,489 1,974,399 785,669 71,988,384 3,587,625 102,011,566 103,974,577 George Papa came to Lamont-Doherty in December Fund Balance At Ending of Year 39,510,455 2,147,120 646,488 79,878,098 3,930,587 126,112,748 102,011,566 Procurement, Facilities Management, Shipping and 1993 as Manager of Accounting Services. He quickly Traffic and Security. Additional operations encompass familiarized himself with both Lamont and Columbia a copy center, housing, food service, and a variety of University procedures and became an invaluable related functions. part of the Observatory’s administrative team. He was Many of these services are provided to the various promoted to Assistant Director of Administration and Earth Institute centers located on the Lamont campus, then, before his untimely death in December 2004, to as well as to the various Lamont-Doherty research Acting Director. He is sorely missed, and the following divisions. In each case, center and divisional adminis- pages are dedicated to his memory. trators provide the necessary link between scientific activities and the core administrative services required to support these operations. Because these adminis-

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University

50 51 STAFF LISTING STAFF LISTING

GRADUATE STUDENTS SYSTEMS ANALYSTS / PROGRAMMERS GRADUATE STUDENTS Almasi, Peter F. Ho, Cheng-Chuan Systems Analyst/Programmer Ali, Shahla Aziz, Zahid Pistolesi, Linda I. Web Specialist Bradtmiller, Louisa I. Cao, Li Cai, Yue Chiu, Tzu-chien SUPPORT STAFF Cipriani, Anna Farmer, Emma C. Anest, Nichole A. Senior Research Staff Assistant Downing, Greg E. Giallombardo, Andres Baker, Linda D. Research Staff Assistant Frantz, Tony Green, Sarah Bitte, Ivars R. Research Engineer Franzese, Allison M. Hwang, Sunny H. Curtis, Ashley E. Research Staff Assistant Himmel, Dana B. Ingram, Sarah J. Griffith, Heather E. Research Staff Assistant Jones, Kevin M. Jones, Miriam C. Guilfoyle, Carolann R. Administrative Assistant Keimowitz, Alison R. Ksepka, Daniel T. Krusic, Paul J. Research Staff Assistant Piotrowski, Alexander M. Li, Jinbao Lozefski, George Research Staff Assistant Santella, Nicholas Liu, Jun Malone, Patricia N. Senior Research Staff Assistant Schmieder, Paul J. Machlus, Malka L. Mason, Cedric W. Research Staff Assistant Simons, Kyla Mihlbachler, Matthew C. Mayernik, Andrea N. Research Staff Assistant Soffer, Gad Pederson, Neil Mones, Katherine C. Administrative Assistant Spieler, Abigail R. Pol, Diego Pederson, Dorothy C. Senior Research Staff Assistant Stevenson, Elizabeth A. Shapiro, Josslyn Peters, Kenneth Senior Research Staff Assistant Thompson, William G. Whiteside, Jessica Rees, Martha Senior Research Staff Assistant Wheeler, Kevin T. Xu, Chengyuan Sauer, Kirsten L. Research Staff Assistant Zimmerman, Susan R.H.

SPECIAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST Geochemistry SPECIAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST Hunkins, Kenneth L. Biscaye, Pierre E. Jacoby, Gordon C., Jr. Anderson, Robert F. Associate Director Bonatti, Enrico Kukla, George Thompson, Ellen L. Division Administrator LDEO ADJUNCTS SENIOR SCIENTIFIC STAFF [left] Mary Ann Brueckner, Director’s Office LDEO ADJUNCTS Banner, Michael L. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Anderson, Robert F. Doherty Senior Scholar, Library Specialist Purdy, G. Michael Director Anderson, O. Roger Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Bopp, Richard F. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Adjunct Professor Alex, Carmen M. Webmaster Burckle, Lloyd H. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Bory, Aloys J. Adjunct Associate Research Broecker, Wallace S. Newberry Professor [right] Miriam Colwell, Colwell, Miriam G. Administrative Assistant Carlut, Julie H. Adjunct Associate Research Scientist Chillrud, Steven N. Doherty Research Scientist Library Assistant Lehnert, Kerstin A. Coordinator Scientist Brueckner, Hannes K. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Goldstein, Steven L. Associate Professor Tomsa, Violeta A. Secretary Chase, Zanna Adjunct Associate Research Denton, George H. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Hemming, Sidney R. Associate Professor Credit: Bruce Gilbert Wuerfel, Beverly Coordinator Scientist Ebel, Denton S. Adjunct Associate Research Cherubini, Paolo Adjunct Research Scientist Longhi, John Doherty Senior Research Scientist Scientist Et-Touhami, Mohammed Adjunct Associate Research McGillis, Wade R. Doherty Research Scientist Grousset, Francis E. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Biology and Paleo Environment Scientist Schlosser, Peter Professor Hales, Burke R. Adjunct Associate Research Marra, John F. Associate Director Gastrich, Mary D. Adjunct Research Scientist Simpson, Harry J., Jr Professor Scientist Hoffer, Karen Division Administrator Gavrieli, Ittai Adjunct Associate Research Smethie, William M., Jr. Doherty Senior Research Scientist Harlow, George E. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Scientist Takahashi, Taro Doherty Senior Scholar, Hemming, N. Gary Adjunct Associate Research SENIOR SCIENTIFIC STAFF Juhl, Andrew R. Adjunct Associate Research Adjunct Professor Scientist Bond, Gerard C. Doherty Senior Scholar Scientist Walker, David Professor Henderson, Gideon M. Adjunct Associate Research Cook, Edward R. Doherty Senior Scholar Kent, Dennis V. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Scientist RESEARCH STAFF D’Arrigo, Rosanne D. Doherty Senior Research Scientist LeTourneau, Peter M. Adjunct Associate Research Hohmann, Roland Adjunct Associate Research deMenocal, Peter B. Associate Professor Scientist Class, Cornelia Doherty Associate Research Scientist Fairbanks, Richard G. Professor Lewis, Marlon R. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Scientist Honisch, Barbel Adjunct Associate Research Griffin, Kevin L. Associate Professor Nachin, Baatarbileg Adjunct Associate Research Ho, David T. Doherty Associate Research Scientist Hays, James D. Professor Scientist Scientist Kavner, Abby Adjunct Associate Research Louchouarn, Patrick Associate Professor Orwig, David A. Adjunct Research Scientist Le Bel, Deborah A. Associate Research Scientist Scientist Marra, John F. Doherty Senior Scholar Peteet, Dorothy M. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Schaefer, Joerg M. Doherty Associate Research Langmuir, Charles H. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Olsen, Paul E. Arthur D. Storke Memorial Professor Ray, Bonnie K. Adjunct Research Scientist Scientist Liu, Tanzhuo Adjunct Associate Research Sambrotto, Raymond N. Doherty Research Scientist Rose, Jerome Adjunct Associate Research Winckler, Gisela Doherty Associate Research Scientist Van Geen, Alexander F. Doherty Senior Research Scientist Scientist Scientist Mandeville, Charles W. Adjunct Associate Research Rousseau, Denis-Didier Adjunct Associate Research Scientist RESEARCH STAFF Scientist POSTDOCTORAL STAFF Mathez, Edmond A. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Buckley, Brendan M. Doherty Associate Research Schuster, William S. F. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Donnelly, Kathleen E. Post Doctoral Research Scientist Rutberg, Randye L. Adjunct Associate Research Scientist Tissue, David T. Adjunct Associate Research Kelly, Meredith A. Post Doctoral Research Scientist Scientist Cheng, Zhongqi Associate Research Scientist Scientist Matter, Jurg M. Post Doctoral Research Scientist Shepherd, John G. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Liepert, Beate G. Doherty Associate Research Turnbull, Matthew H. Adjunct Research Scientist Newton, Robert Post Doctoral Research Scientist Straub, Susanne M. Adjunct Associate Research Scientist Villalba, Ricardo Adjunct Associate Research Rinterknecht, Vincent R. Post Doctoral Research Scientist Scientist Subramaniam, Ajit Doherty Associate Research Scientist Roy, Martin Post Doctoral Research Scientist Stute, Martin Adjunct Research Scientist Scientist Wiles, Gregory C. Adjunct Associate Research Van de Flierdt, Christina-Maria Post Doctoral Research Fellow Sweeney, Colm Adjunct Associate Research Vaillancourt, Robert D. Doherty Associate Research Scientist Scientist Scientist Tomascak, Paul B. Adjunct Associate Research STAFF OFFICERS OF RESEARCH Scientist POSTDOCTORAL STAFF Davi, Nicole K. Staff Associate Torgersen, Thomas L. Adjunct Research Scientist Barker, Stephen R. Post Doctoral Research Fellow Gavin, Joyce E. Staff Associate Webster, James D. Adjunct Research Scientist Hendy, Erica J. Post Doctoral Research Scientist Lotti, Ramona Staff Associate Zheng, Yan Adjunct Associate Research Levi, Camille Post Doctoral Research Scientist Mortlock, Richard A. Senior Staff Associate Scientist Wright, William E. Post Doctoral Research Fellow Wernick, Iddo K. Staff Associate STAFF OFFICERS OF RESEARCH Fleisher, Martin Q. Senior Staff Associate Ross, James M. Staff Associate Schwartz, Roseanne Staff Associate Turrin, Brent D. Senior Staff Associate

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 52 53 STAFF LISTING STAFF LISTING

POSTDOCTORAL STAFF SYSTEMS ANALYSTS / PROGRAMMERS Bohnenstiehl, DelWayne R. Post Doctoral Research Scientist Alsop, Joyce M. Senior Systems Floyd, Jacqueline S. Post Doctoral Research Scientist Analyst/Programmer Graindorge, David S. Post Doctoral Research Scientist Arko, Robert A. Lead Systems Ishikawa, Toru Post Doctoral Research Scientist Analyst/Programmer Nagel, Thorsten J. Post Doctoral Research Fellow Fishman, Artem V. Systems & Network Nedimovic, Mladen Post Doctoral Research Scientist Analyst/Programmer Robinson, Stuart A. Post Doctoral Research Scientist Gold, Ethan Systems Analyst/Programmer Intermediate GRADUATE STUDENTS O’Hara, Suzanne E. Senior Systems Baran, Janet M. Analyst/Programmer Barbour, Jonathan R. Parsi, Mahdad Senior Systems/Network Analyst Cheng, Zhiguo Programmer Traffic Department. From left Kumar, Mohana R. Vitelli, Michael J. Systems Analyst/Programmer to right: E.J. Cocker, Carl Baez, Laatsch, James G. Intermediate Tom Eberhard, Tony Deloatch, Opar, Alisa and Isaac Kim. Not pictured: SUPPORT STAFF Patel, Samir Maurice Mack, Pat Ables, Juan Qin, Ran Alvarez, Ana M. Draftsman Torres, and Jon Chazen. SYSTEMS ANALYSTS / PROGRAMMERS Slagle, Angela L. Chapp, Emily L. Senior Research Staff Assistant Credit: Bruce Gilbert Lee, Hoyle Systems Analyst/Programmer Tischer, Michael Kakascik, Robert Technical Coordinator Intermediate Luisi, Mary A. Administrative Assistant SPECIAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST Masterson, Walter A. Junior Marine Development SUPPORT STAFF Pitman, Walter C. Adjunct Professor Technician Catanzaro, Patricia H. Draftsman Stoll, Robert D. Meyer, Marsha E. Secretary Chen, Bai-Hao Research Staff Assistant Murray, James T. Senior Research Staff Assistant Clark, Elizabeth H. Senior Research Staff Assistant LDEO ADJUNCTS Nagao, Kazuko Draftsman Criscione, Deborah C. Administrative Assistant Abbott, Dallas Adjunct Research Scientist Taylor, Felicia G. Administrative Assistant Dachille, Anthony Senior Research Staff Assistant Caress, David W. Adjunct Associate Research Family, Farnosh Research Staff Assistant Scientist OFFICER OF ADMINISTRATION POSTDOCTORAL STAFF Gorman, Eugene P. Senior Research Staff Assistant Clarke, Garry K.C. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Turrin, Margaret J. Education Coordinator Biasutti, Michela Post Doctoral Research Scientist McNally, Charles W. Senior Lab Technician Driscoll, Neal W. Adjunct Associate Research Huang, Huei-Ping Post Doctoral Research Fellow Mendelson, Mieczyslawa Senior Research Staff Assistant Scientist Ocean and Climate Physics Protus, Thomas J. Senior Electronic Technician Edgar, N. Terence Adjunct Senior Research Scientist GRADUATE STUDENTS St. Clair, Moanna Administrative Assistant Flood, Roger D. Adjunct Research Scientist Gordon, Arnold L. Associate Director Boda, Kenneth Sutherland, Stewart C. Research Staff Scientist Hovius, Niels Adjunct Associate Research Sobin-Smith, Gilbert M. Division Administrator Boelman, Natalie T. Scientist SENIOR SCIENTIFIC STAFF Cherry, Jessica E. Marine Geology and Geophysics Kane, Kimberlee S. Adjunct Associate Research Emile-Geay, Julien B. Scientist Cane, Mark A. Vetlesen Professor of Earth and Gorodetskaya, Irina V. Weissel, Jeffrey K. Associate Director Mart, Joseph Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Climate Science Grass, David S. Odland, Sarah K. Division Administrator McHugh, Cecilia M. Adjunct Associate Research Chen, Dake Doherty Senior Research Scientist Guan, Xiaorui Gordon, Arnold L. Professor SENIOR SCIENTIFIC STAFF Scientist Herweijer, Celine Mello, Ulisses T. Adjunct Research Scientist Jacobs, Stanley S. Doherty Senior Research Scientist Ihara, Chie Anderson, Roger N. Doherty Senior Scholar, Mountain, Gregory S. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Kushnir, Yochanan Doherty Senior Research Scientist Karspeck, Alicia R. Adjunct Professor O’Connell, Suzanne B. Adjunct Research Scientist Martinson, Douglas G. Doherty Senior Research Scientist, Song, Qian Bell, Robin E. Doherty Senior Research Scientist Pfirman, Stephanie L. Adjunct Research Scientist Adjunct Professor Stammerjohn, Sharon E. Buck, W. Roger Doherty Senior Research Scientist, Sorlien, Christopher C. Adjunct Associate Research Ou, Hsien Wang Doherty Senior Research Scientist, Swann, Abigail Adjunct Professor Scientist Adjunct Professor Wang, Daiwei Carbotte, Suzanne M. Doherty Research Scientist Seager, Richard Doherty Senior Research Scientist Cochran, James R. Doherty Senior Research Scientist STAFF OFFICERS OF RESEARCH Ting, Mingfang Doherty Senior Research Scientist LDEO ADJUNCTS Goldberg, David S. Doherty Senior Research Scientist Baker, Ted N. Senior Staff Associate Ukita, Jinro Associate Research Scientist Clement, Amy C. Adjunct Associate Research Haxby, William F. Research Scientist Bookbinder, Robert G. Senior Staff Associate Visbeck, Martin H. Associate Professor Scientist Hayes, Dennis E. Professor Boulanger, Albert G. Senior Staff Associate RESEARCH STAFF Dery, Stephen J. Adjunct Associate Research Karner, Garry D. Doherty Senior Research Scientist Brenner, Carl Senior Staff Associate Scientist Kastens, Kim A. Doherty Senior Research Scientist, Broglia-Malinverno, Cristina Senior Staff Associate Curchitser, Enrique N. Doherty Associate Research Evans, Michael N. Adjunct Associate Research Adjunct Professor Chayes, Dale N. Senior Staff Associate - Scientist Scientist Mutter, John C. Professor Lamont Research Engineer Harnik, Nili Doherty Associate Research Ffield, Amy L. Adjunct Associate Research Ryan, William B. F. Doherty Senior Scholar, Guerin, Gilles Senior Staff Associate Scientist Scientist Adjunct Professor Holzman, NeilStaff Associate Kaplan, Aleksey Doherty Associate Research Garzoli, Silvia L. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Small, Christopher Doherty Research Scientist Keogh, William M. Staff Associate Scientist Gildor, Hezi Adjunct Associate Research Steckler, Michael S. Doherty Senior Research Scientist Lentrichia, David C. Senior Staff Associate Khatiwala, Samar P. Doherty Associate Research Scientist Weissel, Jeffrey K. Doherty Senior Scholar Myers, Gregory J. Senior Staff Associate - Scientist Hall, Alexander D. Adjunct Associate Research Krahmann, Gerd Doherty Associate Research RESEARCH STAFF Senior Engineer I Scientist Perry, Richard S. Staff Associate Scientist Hellmer, Hartmut H. Adjunct Research Scientist Cormier, Marie-Helene Doherty Associate Research Quoidbach, Daniel L. Senior Staff Associate Robertson, Robin A. Doherty Associate Research Jenkins, Adrian Adjunct Associate Research Scientist Reagan, Mary T. Senior Staff Associate Scientist Scientist Iturrino, Gerardo J. Associate Research Scientist Sarker, Golam M. Senior Staff Associate Susanto, Raden D. Doherty Associate Research Kamenkovich, Vladimir M. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Nitsche, Frank O. Doherty Associate Research Schmidt, Val Senior Staff Associate - Scientist Reverdin, Gilles P. Adjunct Associate Research Scientist Senior Engineer I Thurnherr, Andreas M. Doherty Associate Research Scientist Stark, Colin P. Doherty Associate Research Shearer, Douglas W. Senior Staff Associate Scientist Stieglitz, Marc Adjunct Research Scientist Scientist Williams, Trevor J. Senior Staff Associate Tremblay, Bruno Doherty Associate Research Tanacredi, John Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Studinger, Michael Doherty Associate Research Scientist Tourre, Yves M. Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Scientist Yuan, Xiaojun Doherty Associate Research Witter, Donna L. Adjunct Research Scientist Sun, Yuefeng Doherty Associate Research Scientist Zambianchi, Enrico Adjunct Research Scientist Scientist Zappa, Christopher J. Doherty Associate Research Zheng, Quanan Adjunct Senior Research Scientist Tolstoy, Maria Doherty Associate Research Scientist Scientist

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 54 55 STAFF LISTING STAFF LISTING

STAFF OFFICERS OF RESEARCH GRADUATE STUDENTS OFFICER OF ADMINISTRATION Giulivi, Claudia F. Staff Associate Abend, Hannah S. Rawson, Michael Project Coordinator Houghton, Robert W. Senior Staff Associate Czuchlewski, Kristina M. Huber, Bruce A. Senior Staff Associate Holmes, Robert C. MARITIME Khodri, Meriem Staff Associate Karcz, Zvi Bhardwaj, Shankar Third Mate - Temporary Naik, Naomi H. Senior Staff Associate Katz, Richard F. Bonney, Lorne G. Able-Bodied Seaperson - Temporary Newberger, Timothy A. Staff Associate - Engineer Newman, Kori R. Brodock, Gary C. Steward Velez, Jennifer Staff Associate Renik, Byrdie Carter, Amie K. Third Asst, Engineer - Temporary Wang, Zhiren Staff Associate Walker, Christopher D. Case, Melissa M. Cook Zhang, Jiang Duffy, Michael J. Steward SYSTEMS ANALYSTS / PROGRAMMERS Fisher, Kevin M. Oiler Correa, Gustavo P. Lead Systems SPECIAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST Florendo, Rodolfo A. Oiler Analyst/Programmer Jacob, Klaus H. Flores, Miguel A. First Assistant Engineer Iannuzzi, Richard A. Systems Analyst/Programmer Guinn, David J. Able-Bodied Seaperson - Temporary Intermediate LDEO ADJUNCTS Harvey, Elmo J. Oiler - Temp Li, Cuihua Systems Analyst/Programmer Abers, Geoffrey A. Adjunct Research Scientist Ingerson, Matthew S. Second Assistant Engineer Mele, Philip A. Senior Systems Aharonov, Einat Adjunct Associate Research Karlyn, Albert D. Chief Engineer Analyst/Programmer Scientist Landow, Mark C. Master Rosen, Lawrence S. Senior Systems Gregory, Kathryn M. Adjunct Associate Research Lovercheck, Melannie L. Third Mate - Temporary Analyst/Programmer Scientist Mardones, George M. Oiler Hestholm, Stig Adjunct Associate Research Matos, Francisco N. Chief Marine Electrician SUPPORT STAFF Mecketsy, Meredith J. Third Mate Scientist DEVELOPMENT Buildings and Grounds staff. Montgomery, Victoria L. Messperson - Temporary Barry-Biss, Laura R. Administrative Assistant Levin, Vadim L. Adjunct Associate Research Standing, left to right: Kevin O’Loughlin, James E. Master Harwood, Timothy Director DiBlasi-Morris, Virginia M. Senior Secretary Scientist Sullivan, Bruce Baez, Ray Osorio, Nolan M. Ordinary Seaperson Brusa, Douglas P. Associate Director Manandhar, Deepa Research Staff Assistant Passow, Michael J. Adjunct Associate Research Slavin, Rick Trubiroha, Charles Philbrick, David L. Bosun Kopcsak, Sara E. Administrative Assistant Tubiana, Felix A. Research Staff Assistant Scientist Jones, and Eric Soto. Seated, Turnick, Catherine M. Administrative Assistant Pekar, Stephen F .Adjunct Associate Research Pica, Stephen M. Chief Engineer FINANCE left to right: Lenny Sullivan, Quick, Michael A. Able-Bodied Seaperson - Temporary Scientist Herb Muench, Jackie Murray, Schwartz, John H. Chief Marine Electrician Calungcagin, Maria A. Accountant Seismology, Geology and Tectonophysics Sohl, Linda E. Adjunct Associate Research and Dick Greco. Not pictured: Strimback, Roger Ordinary Seaperson - Temporary Domingo, Ellie Administrative Aide Scientist Joe Casilli, Doug Yano. Lerner-Lam, Arthur L. Associate Director Syferd, Jim Able-Bodied Seaperson Hicks, Linda D. Budget Assistant Sparks, David W. Adjunct Associate Research Credit: Bruce Gilbert Bonkowski, Bonnie J. Division Administrator Scientist Sypongco, Arnold A. Able-Bodied Seaperson Lamarque, Jessie Administrative Aide Wu, Zhongliang Adjunct Research Scientist Thomas, Richard N. Second Mate Mounier, Cyndi A. Administrative Aide SENIOR SCIENTIFIC STAFF Tomas, Kelly F. Bosun Nazario, Victoria G. Accountant Anders, Mark H. Associate Professor STAFF OFFICERS OF RESEARCH Tucke, Matthew S. First Assistant Engineer Sheridan, Linda J. Supervisor Christie-Blick, Nicholas Professor Armbruster, John G. Staff Associate Uribe, Guillermo F. Oiler Tan, Pamela G. Accountant Kim, Won-Young Doherty Research Scientist Jonke, Patrick J. Senior Staff Associate Von Mehren, Dennis J.D. 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Office Assistant RESEARCH STAFF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Gaherty, James B. Doherty Associate Research STAFF OFFICERS OF RESEARCH SECURITY Greco, Richard E. Manager Scientist Collins, John W. Staff Associate Baez, Bruce A Mechanic Long, Raymond T. Manager Waldhauser, Felix Doherty Associate Research Koczynski, Theodore A. Staff Associate Casilli, Josph A Mechanic Monteaperto, Camille Telephone Operator Scientist Ljunggren, Paul W. Senior Staff Associate Jones, Charles A Mechanic Troutman, Cathy H. Administrative Aide Walsh, Albert H. Senior Staff Associate - Muench, Herbert A Mechanic POSTDOCTORAL STAFF Senior Engineer II TRAFFIC Murray, Jacqueline R. Administrative Aide Commins, Deirdre C. Post Doctoral Research Fellow Soto, Eric B Mechanic Eberhard, Thomas W. Supervisor Milsch, Harald H. Post Doctoral Research Fellow SYSTEMS ANALYSTS / PROGRAMMERS Sullivan, Kevin A Mechanic Ables, Patricia E. Administrative Aide Persaud, Patricia Post Doctoral Research Scientist Johnson, Anthony D. 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2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University 56 MARIE THARP

Marie Tharp

[above left] Marie Tharp, IN 1948, ARMED WITH TWO DEGREES IN GEOL- somewhere in Alabama, ogy and math, Marie Tharp had a job interview with c.1930. Maurice Ewing, director of the new Lamont Geological “My father had been a soil sur- Observatory. “When he heard about my background, veyor for the U.S. government he was surprised and didn’t know quite what to do and we moved around quite a lot when I was a child. Here I with me,” Tharp recalled. “Finally he blurted out, ‘Can am using Papa’s plane table.” you draft?’” The first map Tharp drafted indicated that the [above right] Marie Tharp Atlantic Ocean seafloor was bisected by a rift valley— a finding that Tharp’s colleague, Bruce Heezen, initially dismissed as “girl talk.” But Tharp’s finding was true, and it helped launch the plate tectonics revolution, which fundamentally changed our under- standing of the Earth. Together, Heezen and Tharp collaborated to create the first-ever global seafloor map, which opened our eyes to a planet that was even more wondrous than we had imagined. In 2004, Columbia’s Earth Institute won a five- year $4.2 million award from the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE Program, which funds pro- grams to help change the chilly institutional climate for women scientists and engineers by defining and implementing approaches that increase their participa- tion and advancement. A core component of this new program is the establishment of fellowships that provide up to $30,000 of funding for women scientists to conduct research

within The Earth Institute for one to three months during PRODUCTION CREDITS their career-building years, said Lamont-Doherty Senior Scientist Robin Bell, who heads the program. One of Timothy Harwood the chief goals of the program is to attract new women Coordinator

to Columbia, and to Lamont-Doherty in particular. Lonny Lippsett Bell chose to call these Marie Tharp Visiting Writer and Editor Fellowships in honor of the young woman scientist Mark Inglis who, despite her less-than-warm welcome in 1948, Creative Director came to mean so much to Lamont-Doherty, to women Marie Tharp works on the first map of the Atlantic Ocean scientists, and to earth science. floor. In the background, profiles of six east-to-west John Stislow transects of the Atlantic Ocean floor provided the first Designer evidence of the rift valley that bisects the Mid-Atlantic Ridge—a discovery that helped spur the plate tectonics TanaSeybert revolution in the earth sciences. Printer

2002-2004 BIENNIAL REPORT Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory The Earth Institute at Columbia University