A Three-Part Lecture Series Presented Free to the Public by the
May 18, June 15 and July 20
Oceans: Past, Present and Future is a series of three lectures that explores the impact and implications of natural and man-made events on the world’s oceans.
Held at the Floren Family Environmental Center at the Innis Arden Cottage, located in Old Greenwich at , each lecture features a scientist from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University discussing cutting-edge research on the elements that are affecting our oceans.
Friday, May 18 at 5:30 pm – Sea Level, Scientists and Society with Maureen Raymo, PhD. One of the greatest threats posed by global warming is the possibility of five feet or more of sea level rise in this century and an even greater sea level rise in coming centuries. All earth scientists study sea level and use different techniques and skill sets in hopes of adding clarity to some part of a complex global-scale problem.
Dr. Raymo will discuss what history tells us about the risks of sea-level change to life on earth.
Friday, June 15 at 5:30 pm – Dynamic Ice and Sea Level Change with Meredith Nettles PhD. Rising temperatures melt glaciers and ice and their meltwater contributes to sea-level rise. However, more than half of the water entering the oceans each year is in the form of icebergs, which have been spewed into the oceans by glaciers that drain the ice sheets like giant ice rivers. Many glaciers are changing quickly and understanding the causes of this change is critical for predicting sea-level rise.
Dr. Nettles will discuss ongoing changes to the world's largest glaciers and demonstrate how the study of a recently discovered special class of earthquakes has led to a better understanding of dynamic glacier behavior.
Friday, July 20 at 5:30 pm – Will Global Warming Lead to Increased Danger from Storms? with Arthur Lerner-Lam, PhD. Rainfall is heavier, hurricanes are stronger, droughts are more severe; and there are those who contend that these changes in weather – including colder winters and hotter summers – are as a result of global warming.
Dr. Lerner-Lam will explore this and other related topics while discussing recent research on the correlation between climate science and natural hazards.
Admission is free; but seating is limited.
Reserve your place at one or all of the lectures – at least two days in advance of the date – by calling 203 869-0376 or send an email to info@brucemuseum.org with your name, number of attendees and lecture date(s).
About Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) 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. A core component of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, LDEO brings together people and tools to address some of the world’s most challenging problems – from climate change and environmental degradation, to poverty, disease and the sustainable use of resources. For additional information, visit the LDEO website.
About the Bruce Museum: Explore Art and Science at the Bruce Museum, located at One Museum Drive in Greenwich, Connecticut. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm; closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students up to 22 years, $6 for seniors and free for members and children under 5 years. Individual admission is free on Tuesday. Free on-site parking is available and the Museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities. For additional information, call the Bruce Museum at (203) 869-0376 or visit the website.
