Field Methods in Glaciology

In the form of a lecture the course presents measuring methods applied on glaciers, ice sheets, streams and shelves from different disciplines, e.g. glaciology (pit measurements, stake readings), geophysics (radar, seismics, gravimetry) and geodesy (GPS, theodolite methods)
As part of a general investigation of the state of ice masses and the governing processes their deployment allows to determine the geometry of the ice body, insights into its internal properties as well as the characterisation of the boundary conditions at its surface and base. For instance, derived quantities are ice thickness, mass change and flow velocity of the ice.

The course contains links to the basics derived in the lecture "Introduction to Glaciology" as well as to the glaciological seminars. Together with the disciplines of remote sensing and methods applied to firn and ice cores the course complements the analysis methods applied in glaciology. A selection of the conveyed methods will be deployed during the field excursion "Glaciology" on an Alpine glacier.

The lecture contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
6 – Clean water
7 – Clean Energy
14 – Climate Action

After successful participation in the course the students do know:
- the relevance of field measurement for the understanding of glaciological processes
- the natural science basis of each methods
- basic processing steps to analyse acquired data
- the field of application of each technique within glaciology
- pros, cons and uncertainties of individual measurements

exam

Klausur

1) Field medhods in Glaciology: B. Hubbard and N. Glasser, Field Techniques in Glaciology and Glacial Geomorphology, ISBN 0470844272, J. Wiley & Son, 2005

2) The Physics of Glaciers, 4th Edition, Kurt Cuffey,W. S. B. Paterson, ISBN9780123694614, 2010, Imprint: Academic Press, Print Book ISBN: 9780123694614, eBook ISBN: 9780080919126 http://store.elsevier.com/The-Physics-of-Glaciers/Kurt-Cuffey/isbn-9780123694614/
The Physics of Glaciers, 4th Edition, Kurt Cuffey,W. S. B. Paterson, ISBN9780123694614, 2010
Imprint: Academic Press
Print Book ISBN: 9780123694614
eBook ISBN: 9780080919126
http://store.elsevier.com/The-Physics-of-Glaciers/Kurt-Cuffey/isbn-9780123694614/

1. SWS: Geodetical methods (GNSS)
2. SWS: Potential field methods: gravimetry
3. SWS: Potential field methods: magnetics
4. SWS: Exercises Potential Field Methods
5. SWS: Seismic methods (active)
6. SWS: Seismic methods (passive)
7. SWS: Exercise Seismics
8. SWS: Radar methods
9. SWS: Exercise Radar
10. SWS: Electric and other electromagnetic methods
11. SWS: Drilling and ice coring technology
12. SWS: Borehole instrumentation
13. SWS: Introduction to the Glaciology Excursion and safe glacier travel
14. SWS: exam