Glacial Geoscience

Knowledge:
Glacial dynamics in a changing climate with a focus on glacial mass loss, sea-level rise, meltwater production, sediment transport, and landscape modification from the glacial source through the marine system is investigated within an earth observation framework. Glacial dynamics are studied at various temporal scales from long term steady states to rapid extreme events exemplified trough cases from Greenland and Antarctica. Dynamic processes and morphological response from glaciers to the sea. This will include Glacial processes; Fluvial processes; Formation glacial landscapes; Sea-level triggers, response and fingerprinting.

Skills:

• apply, evaluate and analyze methods, theories and data related to the course subjects.
• carry out some of the more common calculations and tasks related to glacial dynamic processes within a geoinformatics and earth observation framework.
• give a short, concise and well-illustrated oral presentation on the basis of scientific papers.
• write a short, concise report aimed at peers within research institutions.

Competences:
The aim of the course is to provide a broad basis for studies of processes in glacial environments and to understand their response to climate change and sea level fluctuations. At the end of the course the student will have an understanding of the most important processes that shape the large scale changes in glacial environments. The student will have an understanding of the impacts and feed-backs of climate change with respect to glacial geoscience. The student will have worked with essential datasets within a variety of glacial problems. The student will understand the importance of observations and hypothesis testing and should be able to design new studies within the field of glaciology. The student will have knowledge about strengths and weaknesses associated with common methods, datasets, and analysis procedures used within this field of research and should be able to make a professional-style oral presentation and back it up by a short, concise report.