Dr. Molly Patterson: Oceanographer & Assistant Professor at Binghamton University

The Smoko Podcast

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we are joined by Dr. Molly Patterson, a renowned oceanographer, climate scientist and Assistant Professor at Binghamton University. In this episode, Molly delves into the critical issue of sea level rise and its implications for coastal communities worldwide. We explore how sea level rise exceeding 30 centimeters could spell disaster for low-lying cities and island nations, with extreme sea level events projected to occur annually.

We delve into the SWAIS2C project, in which Dr. Patterson is a co-chief. Molly explains the dynamics of Antarctic ice sheets and their response to warming. Molly explains the work of her team and how by drilling into the Antarctic seabed they can analyze the sediment records from the Ross Ice Shelf. By deciphering past ice sheet movements during warm periods, they aim to develop predictive models for future sea level rise.

Through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, the project seeks to unravel the sensitivity of the West Antarctic ice sheet to warming and its potential impact on sea level rise.

Molly underscores the importance of mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration in climate science. They discuss the challenges of communicating complex climate data to the public and the vital role of scientists in tackling the biotic crisis triggered by climate change. Their conversation sheds light on the complexities of climate research in Antarctica and underscores the urgent need for collective action to mitigate its consequences.

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