Final two Sunday Lectures at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, NY, May 20 & June 3

NEW YORK - May 14, 2001 - Environmental concerns seem to have been dropped from the national agenda by the current adminstration.

Current environmental developments, however, continue to engage researchers at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, located in Palisades, NY. This earth systems science research center is the only research facility in the world examining the planet from core to atmosphere. Lamont research cuts across every continent and ocean, and focuses on advancing understanding of the earth's origin, its history, and its future. Lamont's top scientists share some of their latest findings at Lamont's Public Lecture Series. Admission is free, seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

WHAT: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Public Lecture Series 2001

WHERE: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (Monell Auditorium), located on Route 9W in Palisades, NY (free parking is available).

WHEN: Sundays at 2 p.m. (May 20, June 3)

MAY 20
"Coral Reefs: Archives of Earth's History"
Richard Fairbanks, Senior Research Scientist, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Ever since Charles Darwin published his drawings and observations of corals from the famous Beagle Expedition, coral reefs have been recognized as important archives of ocean and earth history. The need to know more about coral reefs has been advanced by such diverse fields as science, engineering and industry, whose particular research interests are often seemingly at odds with one another.

Professor Fairbanks will demonstrate how our understanding of corals and coral reefs has evolved over the past half-century and discuss why all research, despite its original focus and intent, has lead to a finer understanding of reef ecology and, ultimately, contributed to reef preservation.

JUNE 3
"Planetary Stewardship: What Do We Do About Fossil Fuels?"
Wallace Broecker, Newberry Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Founded in 1949, the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory has more than 200 researchers. Their work has confirmed continental drift, seafloor spreading, led to discovery and development of plate tectonics and El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and is continually enhancing understanding of global climate changes and the ocean's role in regulating them.

For more information: Lamont Public Lecture Series