The shape of water: Let budding scientists explore the depths
Photo: Kelly L from Pexels
Every year on March 22, people all over the world recognize that world water dayThis year, the United Nations announced that the theme of the day would focus on an often overlooked resource that accounts for around 30 percent of all the world’s available fresh water: “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible”.The subject touches the very heart of the survival of some 2.5 billion people who are totally dependent on groundwater — Groundwater found in crevices and spaces between soil, sand and rocks — for their basic daily water needs.
The greatest threat to groundwater – pollution and overuse to depletion – is a direct result of human activity, and the devastating results often disproportionately affect the most vulnerable groups
Leveraging the expertise of leading scientists, Barnard College Columbia University organized March 22 Hybrid Programming Day Explore water access and how Affecting the lives of women and girls.
Martin MareAdjunct Senior Research Scientist in Geochemistry, Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) and co-chair of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Barnard College, his research portfolio includes studies of contaminant transport in groundwater. This is a big problem.
Among the speakers, Stute will demonstrate how groundwater moves through the planet and how it is vulnerable to contamination.
His programs are designed to spark interest and understanding. Using a small plexiglass tank filled with sand as a tool to interactively visualize the flow and transport of groundwater, Stute will demonstrate key concepts surrounding groundwater science. He will show how surface water and groundwater interact, how groundwater is much slower than water in rivers, how groundwater can be a shared resource, and how pollutants can spread widely underground and affect water quality.
The day will also feature lectures by LDEO Adjunct Senior Research Scientist and Barnard Professor of Geochemistry Brian Malou About his project at Barnard to monitor coronavirus in wastewater; a conversation Sandra GoldmarkBarnard Theater Professor and Director of Campus Sustainability and Climate Action, on creating circular campuses by reducing waste and emissions while supporting equity and community resilience; Student Panel on Environmental Activism, led by Barnard Associate Director of Sustainability introduce Leslie Raucher; and a writing workshop on environmental journalism hosted by Barnard’s special guests, renowned journalists and writers Cynthia Barnett. At night’s meeting, Barnett will speak with President Barnard Sian Leah Belloc.
This discussion is a spring signature event Barnard Science YearYear-long celebration of the College’s leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), highlighting Barnard’s expert faculty, symbiotic relationship with Columbia University, and its location in New York City that makes it unique is positioned to provide unparalleled opportunities for the women who will be the STEM leaders of tomorrow.
Sign up for the World Water Day event here.
