Climate Research

Climate Change and Greenhouse Warming

Climate Analysis and Effects:

• Ancient Ice Cores: Ed Brook (541-737-8197), an associate professor of geosciences, uses studies of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica to study gases trapped in ancient ice cores and learn more about past changes in Earth’s climate, and what implications that may hold for future climate change.
• Geographic Analysis: Chris Daly (541-737-2531), an associate professor of geosciences, directs the Spatial Climate Analysis Service at OSU, providing spatial climate research, education, analysis and mapping services for public, private, and educational institutions in the United States and abroad.
• Glaciers and Paleoclimate: Peter Clark (541-737-1247), a professor of geosciences, is a glacial geologist and paleoclimatologist who studies glacier formation, dynamics, movement and history, with an emphasis on the current and past impacts of changing climate.
• Clouds and the Greenhouse Effect: James Coakley (541-737-5686), a professor in the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, studies the role of clouds in the Earth's energy budget and climate.
• Long-term Climate Change: Robert Harris (541-737-4370), an associate professor of marine geology and geophysics, studies long-term climate change using thermal processes.
• Past Ocean and Climate Change: Alan Mix (541-737-5212), a professor in the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, uses isotopic, geochemical, and paleontological tracers to examine the history of oceanic and atmospheric circulation, the carbon and water cycles, and the processes and impacts of global climate change. He serves as director of the OSU/COAS Stable Isotope Facility.
• Mars climate: Jeffrey Barnes (541-737-5685), an associate professor of in the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, studies the atmosphere of Mars.

Biological Impacts of Climate Change:

• Amphibians: Andrew Blaustein (541-737-9869) is an expert on global amphibian decline and climate change as one possible cause.
• Fisheries: Mark Hixon (541-737-5364) studies marine ecology and conservation biology, and can discuss the impacts that changes in the marine environment might have on fisheries.
• Phytoplankton: Michael Behrenfeld (541-737-5289), a professor of botany, is an expert on the ecology and productivity of phytoplankton in the world’s ocean, which play an enormous role in absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, protecting the climate and in turn being affected by climatic changes.
• Plant disease: Stella Coakley (541-737-5264), associate dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, is an expert on the relation between climate variation and plant disease epidemics.
• Vegetation: Ron Neilson (541-750-7303), a courtesy professor of botany, is a widely recognized expert on the impact of global climate change on vegetation distribution and ecosystem processes.

Policy Development:

• Needed Changes: Pacific Northwest scientists in 2004 developed a “consensus statement” on climate change, what its effects may be on the Pacific Northwest, and what policy changes might be appropriate to address it. Details can be obtained from Sherman Bloomer (541-737-4811), professor and dean of the OSU College of Science; and Mark Abbott (541-737-5195), professor and dean of the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences.
• Ocean Protection: Climate change poses special challenges in the marine environment, and Jane Lubchenco (541-737-5337), a distinguished professor of zoology, has helped develop a range of policy options to monitor the effects of climate change, understand its impacts and prepare for its biological effects in the marine environment.
• Water Issues: Climate change will place increasing stresses on water use and management issues around the world, and Aaron Wolf (541-737-2722), an associate professor of geosciences, will be tapped for his dual expertise in water policy, planning and dispute resolution.