ERS 444 - Introduction to Glaciology

Glaciers and ice sheets cover a significant portion of the planet and have major impacts on surrounding Earth systems and human communities. Glaciers act as a consistent source of freshwater, they sculpt the Earth’s near surface geology, and they can influence tectonics, weather, climate, ocean and surrounding ecosystems. This course will study the life cycle of glaciers and ice sheets, the physics which influence their structure, size, movement, and their interaction with surrounding environments. This course will also explore tools and methods used to study glaciers and ice sheets through practical exercises and experiments. Methods we will explore include classic field glaciological techniques, geochemistry, geophysics, remote sensing, and numerical modeling. Note: ERS 444 and ERS 544 cannot both be taken for credit.

General Education Requirements:

Prerequisites: ERS 200 or ERS 201 and MAT 116 or MAT 126 or permission of the instructor

Course Typically Offered: Spring, Odd Years

Credits: 4