Farmlab Public SalonDr. Bill PatzertFriday, March 23 @ NoonFree-of-Charge

"When the Pacific Speaks, Los Angeles Better Listen Up"

As Southern California remembers this winter's dry weather and a steamy summer in 2006, a NASA oceanographer known for studying how Earth's oceans affect our weather and global climate, and govern the El Niño/La Niña phenomena, will present a talk titled, "When the Pacific Speaks, Los Angeles Better Listen Up." Dr. Bill Patzert of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., will explain how historical data are a vital tool for oceanographers, meteorologists and climatologists. Data, from space and our local weather stations are used to understand the formation and progress of phenomenon like the 2004-2005 winter's unexpected record-breaking rains and, even, global warming.

His research has dramatically improved long-term global weather and climate forecasts for Southern California. Patzert will discuss impacts of El Niño, La Niña, longer-term climate trends and global, as well as local Southern California rainfall and warming temperatures.

About Dr. Bill Patzert

Dr. Bill Patzert Often called the "Prophet of California climate," Patzert is a scientist at the California Institute of Technology’s NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif.

His research is focused on the application of NASA satellite data to improving our understanding of our planet's climate and important environmental problems ranging from developing El Niño, La Niña and longer-term climate forecasts to monitoring the health of coral reefs. The author of many scientific and popular articles, Bill works with undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world, and lectures at many local universities. A media favorite, he is often sought out by reporters and is regularly seen on local and national television representing NASA and JPL. In a recent article, he was named as one of the West’s most influential individuals in dealing with water issues.

He is a graduate of Purdue University and went on to earn a Ph.D. in oceanography at the University of Hawaii. Bill began his career on the research faculty of the University of California’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif., and then moved to JPL, where he has been employed since 1983. During his career, he has served as a consultant to many respected organizations including NASA, the U.S. Department of Commerce, United Nations and many scientific and environmental groups. He has received many awards for scientific accomplishments, as well as communicating science to the public, including 4 NASA Exceptional Service Medals and the Medal of the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (highest award of the French Space Agency).

Farmlab Location

Farmlab / Under Spring, 1745 N. Spring Street #4, LA, CA 90012
Across the street from the site of the Not A Cornfield project, in a warehouse colocated at Baker Street and N. Spring Street

Salons are always free-of-charge, all ages welcome.
Refreshments will be served.