Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory News
The 2007 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; nine of Lamont’s current scientists contributed work to IPCC’s most recent 2007 global warming assessment. This prestigious award clearly acknowledges that changes are now taking place that could threaten our environment, economy and social stability. Lamont Doherty has been involved in seminal climate work since the 1950s.
Lamont’s new geochemistry building was dedicated on November 30th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Land’s End founder Gary C. Comer donated $18 million toward the construction of the 60,000 square feet new home, which will encompass 70 offices and 30 laboratories. It replaces an outdated 1950s structure.
Research Vessel Christened
Palisades resident Lillian Langseth christened Lamont’s new seismic-research vessel in Galveston, Texas on November 12th. The ship is named the R/V Marcus G. Langseth for her late husband, a prominent Lamont scientist. Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation for use by universities, research institutes and government agencies, it will generate CAT-scan-like 3D images of magma chambers, faults and other structures miles below the world’s seabeds. As the most advanced vessel of its kind, it promises to open potential new windows on natural hazards, earth’s evolution and other vital questions.
Michael Purdy, Director of Lamont, was master of ceremonies at the event. Speakers included a National Science Foundation representative and former Lamont Director Manik Talwani who was a close colleague of Mark’s in the early days of Lamont. Following the talks, Lillian and the ship’s captain, James O’Laughlin, unveiled a large bronze plaque with a brief biography of Mark’s scientific work and a relief of his face.
Lillian reports on the events: “November 12th was one of the two best days of my life - the other being the day I got married. The day of the ceremony started out gray and rainy but cleared by noon. By the time the official ceremony started the sea was calm and it was a perfect day - beautiful, clear and sunny. There were several speakers, including a colleague of Mark’s who was best man at our wedding. The talks were variously moving, touching, and humorous. The youngest Marcus Langseth (8 years old) was also introduced.”
“When the talks were over we got off the ship and went on to the pier for the official champagne bottle-smashing on the bow. ‘May God bless this ship and keep safe all those who sail upon her. I name this ship Marcus G. Langseth.’ Then I gave the bottle a good whack, it broke nicely, everyone cheered and we went back onto the ship for champagne and munchies. It was wonderful to meet many of Mark’s colleagues that I had not seen in years. I also enjoyed having Mark’s family there - some of whom I knew well and others that I met for the first time.”
“The evening of the ceremony, I was given the honor of sleeping in the chief scientist’s cabin on the ship. In the morning I had breakfast in the mess hall with some of the crew and then sailed back on the ship to its place at the work pier. It was all wonderful and a day to remember - the experience of a lifetime. Mark has been gone for 10 years now and I was first told about the ship naming about three years ago so it has been somewhat of a wait. But it was all worth it.”
If you would like to read more about the ship go to the following website: www.earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/1978