Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

Land ho! R/V Marcus G. Langseth arrives in port after 14 days at sea, reported science officer Cody Bahlau (Cody B.)... After an incredible 14-day journey across the Atlantic, Expedition MGL 2501 has come to an end! We set sail from Savannah, Georgia, navigated thousands of nautical miles, and now find ourselves in the vibrant port of Mindelo, Cape Verde. Throughout the expedition, our team worked tirelessly, collecting valuable oceanographic data and mapping the seafloor, another step forward in our mission to explore the unknown depths of our planet. Guided by the Light In the images, you will see the Dom Luis Lighthouse, which was built in 1882. Lighthouses have been used for centuries to aid navigation, warning mariners of dangerous coastlines, reefs, and obstacles in an era before GPS. Today, while satellite navigation and radar have largely replaced their role, over 18,000 lighthouses worldwide continue to serve as critical backup systems, especially in areas with harsh weather, strong currents, and limited visibility. A Beacon for Science Just as lighthouses illuminate the way for sailors, science illuminates the unknown. Whether mapping the deep sea, studying climate change, or uncovering marine ecosystems, every scientific discovery is a light leading us forward. As we step back onto land, we carry with us not just data, but the spirit of discovery. Every voyage is a step toward a brighter, better-understood ocean. ?? Learn more about Lamont's R/V Marcus G. Langseth: https://lnkd.in/eKgTUp8R

In this #LamontVoices moment, Lamont geologist Nicholas Christie-Blick is joined by planetary systems scientist Linda Sohl, one of his former graduate students now at Columbia Climate School's Center for Climate Systems Research and NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, to talk about the importance of good mentorship. ? Learn more about Lamont's history, people, culture, and discoveries:? https://lnkd.in/eBUi-CFf ? As part of our 75th anniversary celebration, Lamont Voices captures reflections from scientists, students, and alums who have helped shaped Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

R/V Marcus G. Langseth science officer Cody Bahlau (Cody B.) reported from the Atlantic Ocean... Aboard the R/V Marcus G. Langseth, the team is hard at work collecting high-resolution seafloor data as part of Expedition MGL 2501. So far, the Langseth has mapped approximately 55,000 square kilometers of the ocean floor—an area larger than the state of West Virginia! Every survey line brings us one step closer to a fully mapped ocean as part of the Seabed 2030 initiative, a global effort to map 100% of the world’s ocean floor by 2030. Next Up: Crossing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge! Soon, the vessel will transit over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, stretching over 10,000 miles down the center of the Atlantic Ocean. This massive underwater feature is a divergent plate boundary, where the North American, South American, Eurasian, and African Plates slowly move apart, creating new oceanic crust. Why Does Mapping the Ocean Matter? More than 75% of the ocean remains unmapped at high resolution, yet the seafloor plays a crucial role in: ?? Understanding plate tectonics & earthquakes ?? Supporting marine conservation & ecosystem studies ?? Improving safe navigation & deep-sea exploration ?? In the Main Lab, the team is analyzing data in real time, revealing the hidden topography of the ocean floor—mountains, valleys, and fault lines beneath the waves. Credit: Cody Bahlau ?? Learn more about Lamont's R/V Marcus G. Langseth: https://lnkd.in/eKgTUp8R

In this #LamontVoices moment, graduate student Caitlin Dieck Locke talks about the opportunities Lamont gives to students and young scientists. Learn more about Lamont's history, people, culture, and discoveries: https://lnkd.in/eBUi-CFf As part of our 75th anniversary celebration, Lamont Voices captures reflections from scientists, students, and alums who have helped shaped Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

As the R/V Marcus G. Langseth continued its 3,200-nautical-mile transit across the Atlantic Ocean for Expedition MGL 2501, science officer Cody Bahlau (Cody B.) reported that the crew experienced rough weather as strong winds and high seas rolled across their path. Specifically, the Langseth encountered Beaufort 6-7 conditions, with strong winds, 10- to 15-foot waves, and a rough ride for the crew. While the ship is designed for these conditions, the high seas served as a strong reminder of the ocean’s power. How Do We Measure Ocean Conditions? The Beaufort Scale is one way mariners classify wind and sea states. This system was developed in 1805 by Admiral Francis Beaufort of the British Royal Navy. The scale, ranging from 0 (calm seas) to 12 (hurricane-force winds), helps sailors and scientists assess ocean conditions based on wind speed, wave height, and sea appearance. Examples of the Beaufort Scale: - Beaufort 0-1 (Calm-Light Air): Mirror-like sea, barely any ripples. - Beaufort 4-5 (Moderate-Fresh Breeze): Waves build to 6-10 feet, whitecaps appear. - Beaufort 8-9 (Gale-Strong Gale): Winds over 40 knots, waves reach 18-25 feet. - Beaufort 12 (Hurricane): Winds exceed 64 knots, waves tower over 45 feet! With calmer weather on the horizon, the crew continued their transit to Cape Verde, pushing forward in the name of science! ?? Learn more about Lamont's R/V Marcus G. Langseth: https://lnkd.in/eKgTUp8R ?? William Eltringham

"As we put more data together, we get this beautiful picture of the seafloor, it's really like bringing it into focus," says Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory marine geophysicist Vicki Ferrini, PhD, head of head of Seabed 2030's Atlantic and Indian Oceans Center. "You start to see the details and the patterns, you start to understand the (ocean) processes in a different way," adds Ferrini. Via AFP.

"There have been a lot of measurements and intensive studies on snow in the Western United States, but East Coast snow is not the same and we don’t have the on-the-ground infrastructure that exists out there. X-Snow will help gather more data by building the culture and infrastructure to collect it," says Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory polar scientist Marco Tedesco, who co-leads the X-Snow (xsnow.us) citizen science project with director of educational field programs Margie Turrin and education & outreach coordinator Marisa Annunziato. Via NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Earthdata.

R/V Marcus G. Langseth science officer Cody Bahlau (Cody B.) reports that the Langseth officially set sail from Savannah, Georgia, launching Expedition MGL 2501—the first research cruise of 2025! The vessel will travel 3,200 nautical miles across the Atlantic to the Cape Verde Islands, a journey expected to take 14 days. Departing from Historic Savannah Before heading into open waters, the Langseth transited the Savannah River, a key shipping route that has shaped the city’s economy and history. With one of the largest ports on the East Coast, Savannah serves as a gateway between the U.S. and global trade. Why Do Ships Use Pilots? As the Langseth navigated the river, a harbor pilot was on board to ensure a safe transit through the narrow, winding channel. Pilots are local navigation experts, guiding vessels in and out of ports worldwide. Why Are They Important? They help maneuver ships through challenging waterways like shallow channels and busy harbors. Pilots ensure safety for marine traffic, infrastructure, and the environment. In international ports, pilots often speak the local language, ensuring smooth coordination between the ship’s crew and port authorities. After passing Tybee Roads, the Langseth’s pilot disembarked, and the ship began its long journey across the Atlantic. Stay tuned as we kick off MGL 2501 and another exciting year of ocean exploration! ?? Learn more about Lamont's R/V Marcus G. Langseth: https://lnkd.in/eKgTUp8R ?? William Eltringham

R/V Marcus G. Langseth science officer Cody Bahlau (Cody B.) reports from Savannah, Georgia where the Langseth was at the pier, making final preparations for Expedition MGL 2501/2502. The Langseth is setting sail on a 3,200-nautical-mile transit across the Atlantic Ocean to the Cape Verde Islands, which will take approximately 14 days, depending on weather and ocean conditions. ?? Why Nautical Miles? Unlike a standard mile, which measures 5,280 feet, a nautical mile (NM) is 6,076 feet (1.1508 statute miles). This measurement is based on the Earth's curvature, with one nautical mile equaling one minute of latitude. This makes nautical miles especially useful for navigation, allowing mariners and pilots to measure distances using latitude and longitude. ?? Expedition Prep in Full Swing! Before departing, the Langseth team was busy loading and securing seismic equipment, scientific instruments, and essential supplies. Every piece of gear plays a vital role in ensuring high-quality data collection for oceanographic and geophysical research. Final days at port are all about logistics, precision, and teamwork, ensuring a smooth transit and a successful expedition. Stay tuned as the Langseth embarks on MGL 2501/2502, unlocking more of the ocean’s hidden secrets beneath the waves! ???? ?? Learn more about Lamont's R/V Marcus G. Langseth: https://lnkd.in/eKgTUp8R ?? Cody Bahlau

In this #LamontVoices moment, geochemist Kerstin Lehnert talks about the importance of mentorship in networking in Earth sciences. Learn more about Lamont's history, people, culture, and discoveries: https://lnkd.in/eBUi-CFf As part of our 75th anniversary celebration, Lamont Voices captures reflections from scientists, students, and alums who have helped shaped Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.