More than 2,600 people have signed up to visit the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades on Saturday for its annual open house. Scientists and researchers will share their work through hands-on activities, tours and presentations.

The event, which dates back to 1949, gives the public an opportunity to learn about a wide range of scientific research, from ocean sediment and climate records to earthquakes, volcanoes and tree-ring science.

Researchers say trees can provide valuable clues about environmental history.

"The remarkable stories that trees can tell us about past environmental change, past climate, past events. We can even date earthquakes, past earthquakes in some cases, to tree rings," said Edward Cook, of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

Scientists will also showcase deep-sea sediment samples that help researchers better understand Earth's past climate.

"It's from the microfossils. The plankton shells in these sediment cores that we get the data that the paleo-climate records are based on," said Nichole Anest, of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

Organizers say visitors should register in advance because attendees will need to take a shuttle to access the campus.

The open house will also feature more on volcanoes and earthquakes.

News 12 asked researchers about the earthquake that struck in New Jersey in 2024.

A professor suggested a reservoir in New Jersey near an old coastal fault line may help explain why that seismic event shook parts of the tristate area.

"Those ancient faults still exist there. They might be dormant. But they are there and ready to go off," said Folarin Kolawole of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

News 12 also reported on an earthquake in March 2026 that was centered in Sleepy Hollow.

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. For registration and additional information, visit the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House website.