Mar 24, 2014

David Montgomery talks to KUOW about the Oso landslide

On Saturday March 22, a powerful landslide occurred above the Stillaguamish River near the town of Oso in western Washington. David Montgomery, professor of Earth and space sciences, talks to Ashley Ahearn at KUOW about what causes such slides to occur. Listen to the story on KUOW. Since this report, Montgomery has shared his expertise through numerous other media outlets, including: Seattle Times Op-Ed: Map the runout risk for landslides like Oso New York Times: In a State Known for Landslides, a Deadly Mix of Loose Sediments and Heavy Rain KUOW: Geological Circumstances Behind Washington Mudslide PBS NewsHour: Washington state mudslide conditions present ‘nightmare scenario’ for rescue team, says geologist

Mar 19, 2014

‘Future of Ice’ initiative prepares students for leadership in the Arctic

Garrett Knoll participates in the Polar Science Weekend

Students are among the beneficiaries of the UW’s deep polar expertise, which is highlighted in the collaborative and new Future of Ice Initiative made up of multiple units across campus. The Initiative represents a commitment by the University to invest in knowledge about the polar regions, and provide a framework through which to foster collaborative partnerships with stakeholders at high latitudes.

Mar 17, 2014

Inuit leader Sheila Watt-Cloutier visits UW

The successful Future of Ice Speaker Series came to a close on March 11 with a visit from Sheila Watt-Cloutier, a Canadian Inuit leader who spoke about how our planet’s changing climate is deeply affecting the Inuit culture and way of life. Watt-Cloutier routinely travels the globe, drawing attention to the issue of climate change using a human lens to talk about impacts.

Mar 17, 2014

Apply for a College of the Environment Scholarship

Students working at tables in the Suzzallo Library cafe

The College of the Environment is pleased to announce the availability of student scholarships for the 2014-2015 academic year. Scholarships available include the Clarence H. Campbell Endowed Lauren Donaldson Scholarship, the Nancy Wilcox Scholarship, the Del Rio Environmental Studies Scholarship, and the Yakama Nation Endowed Fund for Student Support Scholarship. Award amounts for all scholarships will vary depending upon financial need and will be distributed over the course of the Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters the academic year.

Mar 14, 2014

Tethered robots tested for Internet-connected ocean observatory

The University of Washington this fall will complete installation of a massive digital ocean observatory. Dozens of instruments will connect to power and Internet cables on the seafloor, but the observatory also includes a new generation of ocean explorers: robots that will zoom up and down through almost two miles of ocean to monitor the water conditions and marine life above.