AG-844
Dynamics of Calving Glaciers (5 ECTS)

Required previous knowledge/specific course requirements:
Students should have a background in glaciology or related discipline, and be enrolled as active PhD students at a university. Preference will be given to students involved in the SVALI project.

Learning outcome:

Students on this course will obtain:

• Knowledge of recent changes to calving glaciers in Greenland, Antarctica, Svalbard, and other regions
• An understanding of the key glaciological processes underlying calving glacier behaviour • Awareness of major unsolved research problems and insight into how these may be addressed
• Practical experience of numerical modelling and remote sensing

Academic content:
The course is a detailed exploration of the behaviour of calving glaciers, marine ice-streams and ice shelves. Lectures and seminars will focus on recent changes in calving glacier dynamics and front positions, and the theory of key processes including hydrology, basal motion, fracturing and calving. Laboratory work will include practical classes on modelling calving glaciers, and remote sensing of glacier oscillations, velocities, and other key characteristics.

Teaching methods and activities:
The course extends over 2,5 weeks.

Total lecture hours: 40 hours.
Total laboratory work (computing and remote sensing): 20 hours.
Excursions: 3 days of boat trips to calving glaciers in Isfjorden.

Compulsory assignment:
Excursions and computing practicals.  

Assessment:

All assessments must be fulfilled in order to receive a final grade.

Application deadline: 15. May 2014.