It turns out not all clouds are created equal. Though Seattle presents an ideal location for cloud-gazing, it can’t reproduce the unique clouds in a part of the world thought to play a key role in the planet’s climate. The vast Southern Ocean circling Antarctica soaks up a large portion of the carbon emissions taken up by the oceans and stores some of the extra heat trapped by the carbon emissions that remain in the air.
Read more at UW Today »Dean’s Letter: Curiosity-driven research—the foundation of all that we do
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” —Albert Einstein Curiosity-driven research is scholarship in which real world applications are not immediately apparent. Such fundamental research can be seen as a luxury in a time where the College is called on to address a panoply of environmental challenges. Far worse is the fact that fundamental research in the geosciences is under fire in Washington, D.C.
Read more »Geology and art connect at UW light rail station
Tens of thousands of people will pass through the new University of Washington light rail station that opened in mid-March. While most riders will focus on their destination, they may also learn something as they pass through the station. “Subterranium,” by UW alumnus Leo Saul Berk, lines the walls with 6,000 unique backlit panels inspired by the geology of the site that was excavated to create the station.
Read more at UW Today »Exploring Earth’s surfaces on UW’s flagship research vessel (VIDEO)
Students in the "Rivers and Beaches" class offered through the College of the Environment get out on the Puget Sound to experience the concepts they've learned about in the classroom.
Read more »Ocean observatory comes alive
This month, researchers from across the globe gain unprecedented access to data from the U.S. Regional Cabled Ocean Observatory.
Read more at The New York Times »