Augsburg News

News Archives - 1997

"Ozone, Climate and the Edge of Science" is topic of lecture at Augsburg

Harvard professor James G. Anderson will deliver annual Sverdrup Visiting Scientist Lecture

Apr. 08, 1997

The earth, its atmosphere and oceans sit at a critical transition, says Dr. James G. Anderson, a professor of atmospheric chemistry at Harvard University.

Anderson will discuss this transition at Augsburg College's seventh annual General Leif J. Sverdrup Visiting Scientist Program. His free public lecture is scheduled on Monday, April 28, at 8 p.m. in the Foss Center (corner of Riverside Avenue and 22nd Avenue South). Registrations are requested; call 612/330-1324.

In his lecture, Anderson will explore how predictions of global ozone change and climate change are made. He will review the strength of the scientific case that underpins these predictions. He will also review how U.S. scientific and technical research policy is established. Anderson will use the specific example of dramatic ozone loss over the Antarctic to illustrate the power and limitations of the link between science and public policy.

During his stay in the Twin Cities, Anderson will visit South High School in Minneapolis from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, April 28.

Anderson's research focuses on the earth's ozone layer and emphasizes both in situ detection of free radicals from balloons and high altitude aircraft as well as laboratory studies of gas-phase chemical reactions. He has led or participated in high altitude aircraft missions to both poles of the earth.

Anderson's visit is co-sponsored by the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium, of which Augsburg is a member. The NASA-funded consortium supports students with undergraduate and graduate scholarships and works with Minnesota schools to develop strong science, mathematics and technology programs.