Theoretical Glaciology

In this course we will study both, glaciological processes, as well as ice sheets as a system. Thus, the topics range from the deformation and structure of ice on the micro scale to the large scale dynamics of ice sheets, streams and ice shelves. Lots of examples allow the students to derive and understanding of the entire system Antarctica, ranging from its thermal structure and snow accumulation to the effects of climate change on the stability of ice sheets. The course contains cross-links to field observations and remote sensing observations of ice.

After successful completion of the course, students will have acquired …
a) an understanding of
- the dynamics of ice sheets, streams, ice shelves and glaciers
- the ice-atmosphere, ice-ocean and ice-lithosphere interaction
- the role of ice sheets in the climate system, their mass balance and the stability of ice sheets and shelves
- glaciological processes, e.g. calving and sliding
b) experience in
- assessing the changes of a major ice sheet, e.g. Antarctica
- deriving concepts for studying the dynamics of ice sheets, streams and ice shelves

written exam (one exam for the entire module Glaciology 2)

Klausur

Greve & Blatter `Dynamics of Glaciers and Ice Sheets`

1. SWS: Continuum mechanics - basic principles
2. SWS: Kinematics and kinetics of continua
3. SWS: General balance equation & Special balance equations
4. SWS: Special balance equations
5. SWS: Approximations
6. SWS: Material theory of ice
7. SWS: Ice sheet models
8. SWS: Initialisation of ice sheet simulations
9. SWS: Inverse methods
10. SWS: Ice sheet simulations for sea level projections
11. SWS: Frontiers of ice sheet simulations
12. SWS: Process simulations - viscoelastic simulations
13. SWS: Process simulations - firn densification
14. SWS: exam