Visitors to last year's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory's Open House examines a bathtub half-full of corn starch where Professor Marc Spiegelman had just been dancing. Spiegelman was showing how materials can act differently depending on circumstances, like force of impact. Photo by Bruce Gilbert

Since the 1950’s, one of the world’s premier earth sciences research institutions, the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of The Earth Institute at Columbia University, has held an open house for the general public. This gives the public an opportunity to learn about current developments in the earth sciences and about how our increasing understanding of the Earth is used to help preserve its future. On Saturday, October 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Observatory’s grounds will be open to thousands of visitors as researchers present their studies of this Restless Earth.

Exhibits, activities, demonstrations, and presentations are aimed at different ages and educational levels, from elementary school-age children, to college students, to those well versed in the earth sciences.

Guided forest hikes with an Observatory dendrochronologist explore tree ring science and how it reveals key information on forest ecology and past climates. Seismologists, geologists, and tectonophysicists discuss the dynamics of earthquakes, floods, landslides and severe storms, and how they have shaped the Earth. Marine and paleo biologists present exhibits on aquatic life, demonstrate satellite sensing of ocean biology, and present discoveries from the fossil record. How water and pollutants move in the ground is explored with Observatory geochemists, as well as rocks and what they tell us about the deep Earth. Ocean and climate physicists investigate climate phenomena in the atmosphere and ocean. Marine geologists and geophysicists discuss evidence for geologic impacts on climate, civilization, and mass extinctions. These are just a few of the many exhibits and presentations offered.

Additionally, the Observatory shares its campus with the International Research Institute for Climate Change, the Center for International Earth Science Information Network, the Cooperative Institute for Climate Applications and Research (CICAR), and Wildlife Trust, all members of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, who will also present exhibits.

Visitors can explore science labs, educational opportunities in the earth sciences, and listen to earth science lectures, while enjoying the Observatory’s 157-acre campus. Food service will be available.

For more information and directions to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, visit www.ldeo.columbia.edu/OH2004.