Marcus G. Langseth diaries, 1955-1996
Collection context
- Creator:
- Langseth, Marcus G.
- Abstract:
- Diaries of Marcus G. Langseth, a pioneer in marine geothermal research, researcher at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and professor of geology at Columbia University. The diaries include scientific observations and personal anecdotes.
- Extent:
- 2.25 linear feet (2 record cartons)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The diaries include scientific observations and personal anecdotes. A typical journal may include meeting notes, scientific research observations, scientific calculations, drafts of correspondence or memos, and personal observations and anecdotes. Many journals include loose pages inserted into the notebooks with related or additional material.
- Biographical / historical:
-
A pioneer in marine geothermal research, Marcus Gerhardt Langseth was associated with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory for most of his 40-year career. Beginning as a research assistant and graduate student in the mid-1950s, he became a senior research scientist and an adjunct professor of earth and environmental sciences at Columbia University.
Dr. Langseth was born in Lebanon, Tennessee, on Nov. 24, 1932 and received his bachelor's degree from Waynesburg College in 1954. He began working at the Lamont-Doherty observatory as a summer employee in 1953, and joined the staff full time in 1955. After a two-year stint in the Army from 1956-1958, he came back to Lamont as a research staff assistant and in 1959 he started to pursue graduate studies in geophysics at Columbia University and he earned his PhD from the University in 1964.
Dr. Langseth remained affiliated with Columbia University and the Lamont-Doherty Observatory throughout his career. He was an expert in heat flow studies, and much of his research involved collecting and analyzing data about the way that heat moves on the surface of the Earth. He developed instruments that Apollo crews used to study heat flow on the moon. This work earned him NASA's Special Achievement Award. In 1993, Dr. Langseth was appointed the Palisades Geophysical Institute Senior Scientist at Lamont.
Langseth died of lung cancer in 1997.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Marcus Langseth Papers; Box and Folder (if known); Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu