GEOG312-15S2 (C) Semester Two 2015

Glacial Processes

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 13 July 2015
End Date: Sunday, 15 November 2015
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 26 July 2015
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 11 October 2015

Description

GEOG312 explores physical glaciological processes, and in particular, glacier motion and glacier hydrology. The course focuses on understanding derived from the results of recent research on the operation of these processes in temperate valley glaciers, although the results of research on other types of natural ice bodies (e.g. ice sheets) will be included where relevant. Knowledge oriented learning outcomes include an understanding of glacier processes, especially ice motion and glacier hydrology, and of interactions between glaciers and landscape; and understanding of glacier-related research conducted in New Zealand, as well as at other significant research glaciers around the world. Skill-oriented outcomes include the ability to use spreadsheet software to facilitate research-orientated data analysis, the ability to interpret and understand a wide range of types of graphical data, and the ability to critically evaluate published work, as well as own work and peer group work.

The lecture programme begins by exploring glacier mass balance and considering the challenges of measuring snow accumulation and ice ablation in mountainous regions. This section includes engagement with NIWA, learning about their current glacier monitoring programme.

The course then moves into the intricacies of glacier motion, looking in-depth at the mechanics of ice deformation and sliding. Consideration is given to how theories of glacier motion have evolved over time with new technologies and research.

Lectures on glacier hydrology draw strongly from key research on glaciers in New Zealand and the European Alps, and the course is rounded off with engagement of glacier-climate interactions and the global significance of glacier fluctuations.

Learning Outcomes

  • Gain knowledge and understanding of glacier processes, especially glacier mass balance, ice motion and glacier hydrology, and interactions between glaciers and landscape.
  • Have familiarity and understanding of glacier related research in New Zealand and overseas, and developments in the discipline pertaining to these central themes.
  • Develop a range of skills including; the use of spreadsheet software to facilitate research-orientated data analysis, interpret and understand a range of graphical data, write clearly and concisely, and to critically evaluate published work as well as own and peer-group work.

Prerequisites

30 points of 200-level Geography, including GEOG201, or
in special cases with approval of the Head of Department.

Course Coordinator

Heather Purdie

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Assignments 60%
Final Exam 40%

Textbooks / Resources

Recommended Reading

Benn, Douglas I. , Evans, David J. A; Glaciers & glaciation ; 2nd ed; Hodder Arnold, 2008.

Cuffey, Kurt. , Paterson, W. S. B; The physics of glaciers ; 4th ed; Butterworth-Heinemann/Elsevier, 2010.

Hooke, Roger LeB; Principles of glacier mechanics ; Prentice Hall, 1998.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $778.00

International fee $3,450.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Earth and Environment .

All GEOG312 Occurrences

  • GEOG312-15S2 (C) Semester Two 2015
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