CENTRE FOR GLACIOLOGY

1
CENTRE FOR GLACIOLOGY Institute of Geography and
Earth Sciences Sefydliad Daearyddiaeth a
Gwyddorau Ddaear CANOLFAN RHEWLIFEG
M.Sc.
in
GLACIOLOGY
2
M.Sc. in Glaciology
Rationale The cryosphere has a major influence on
the Earth System, especially in the context of
environmental change. Understanding the processes
that govern the behaviour of glaciers and snow
cover is not only crucial for developing models
of the response of the cryosphere to climatic
change, but also for evaluating water resources,
locating sand and gravel resources, and assessing
landscape attributes. Furthermore, glacial
deposits have implications for waste disposal,
groundwater flow, pollution and earth-surface
erosion. Aims The aims of the M.Sc. in
Glaciology are to provide students with a range
of skills appropriate not only to glaciological,
glacial geological and glacial geomorphological
investigations, but are also applicable in a
wider Earth Science and Physical Geographical
context..

• apply sedimentological principles to the
  analysis and interpretation of glacigenic
  sediments
• utilise field skills in sedimentological logging
  and landform interpretation
• synthesise glaciological/glacial geological
  information from a wide variety of sources

Local field site Cadair Idris

• Students will also acquire enhanced skills in
• oral, visual and written communication
• synthesis of scientific information
• development, implementation and evaluation of
  research programmes
• manipulation of numerical data
• using computer software, especially quantitative
  analysis, GIS and remote sensing
• working independently and in a team, especially
  in a field context
• Syllabus
• Semester 1
• Advanced Research Skills
• Spatial data Acquisition or Fundamentals of
  Remote Sensing and GIS
• Glaciology Field Techniques
• Semester 2
• Glaciological Methods
• Glacial Geology Geomorphology
• choice of one non-glaciological module from four
• Semester 3 (summer)
• Research Dissertation in Glaciology

Snow hydrological investigations

• Objectives
• Specific objectives of the M.Sc. are to enable
  students to
• programme and operate automated instruments,
  including data-loggers for glaciological and
  other environmental purposes
• gauge discharge and chemistry of streams
• manipulate and apply computer-based, cold-region
  hydrological models
• interpret surface features of contemporary
  glaciers and ice sheets using satellite imagery
  and aerial photography
• interpret sediment/landform associations in
  recently deglacierised areas and in the
  Quaternary record