Module Identifier GG33920  
Module Title PALAEOGLACIOLOGY  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Dr Neil F Glasser  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Professor Michael J Hambrey, Dr Poul Christoffersen  
Pre-Requisite GG23910  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours  
  Seminars / Tutorials   4 Hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Poster presentation20%
Semester Assessment Poster abstract10%
Semester Assessment Seminar presentation20%
Semester Assessment Extended essay50%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Evaluate and define the concept of palaeoglaciology and its global and scientific significance

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of palaeoglaciology and the fundamentals of ice sheet reconstruction

3. Identify key glacial landforms and their palaeoglaciological significance

4. Assess the landforms and sedimentary criteria applicable to interpreting Quaternary and older glacial successions

5. Evaluate the full range of glacier types and thermal regimes of former ice sheets

6. Demonstrate knowledge of the complexity of processes operating in a range of glacial environments

7. Appreciate the role of palaeoglaciology in ice mass reconstruction

8. Synthesize relevant literature, and produce a high-quality written report outlining a current scientific debate in palaeoglaciology

9. Design and produce a conference-style poster on a palaeoglaciology topic

10. Give an oral presentation explaining the aims, content and design of a poster

Brief description

The module will first introduce the students to the fundamentals of palaeoglaciology and the nature of the evidence from which former ice sheets may be reconstructed. Subsequent lectures will provide students with the full details of this evidence and explain how existing and former glaciers and their sedimentary products can be researched and interpreted.

Content

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Bennett, M.R. and Glasser, N.F. (1996) Glacial Geology: Ice Sheets and Landforms John Wiley, Chichester
Benn, D.I. and Evans, D.J.A. (1998) Glaciers and Glaciation Arnold, London
Dowdeswell, J.A. & O'Cofaigh, C. (ed) (1990) Glacier influenced Sedimentation on high-latitude continental margins, Geological Society Special Publication
Hambrey, M.J. (1994) Glacial Environments UCL Press
Hambrey, M.J. and Alean, J. (2004) Glaciers Cambridge University Press

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6