Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory

Specialties

Lamont-​Doherty Earth Observatory seeks fundamental knowledge about the origin, evolution and future of the natural world. Its scientists study the planet from its deepest interior to the outer reaches of its atmosphere, on every continent and in every ocean, providing a rational basis for the difficult choices facing humanity. Lamont is a core component of the Earth Institute, Columbia University. Nearly 200 Ph.D. level researchers work and teach here, and 80 – 90 graduate students are involved in research. Lamont also operates a federally funded research ship, the Marcus G. Langseth, which uses seismic data to map the sub-​seafloor, highlighting hidden faults and other earthquake hazards.

History

Established in 1949.

The Lamont Geological Observatory was established in 1949. Its first director was William Maurice «Doc» Ewing, a pioneering Earth scientist. In 1969, the Observatory was renamed «Lamont-​Doherty Earth Observatory» after a major contribution from the Henry L. and Grace Doherty Charitable Foundation. Henry Latham Doherty (1870 – 1939) was the founder of the Cities Service Company. The Henry L. and Grace Doherty Charitable Foundation is a major supporter of oceanographic institutions. In 1993, the Lamont-​Doherty Geological Observatory was renamed the Lamont-​Doherty Earth Observatory in recognition of its growing scope of expertise and influence in the Earth sciences.