Module Identifier EAM0820  
Module Title APPROACHES TO GLACIOLOGY  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Bryn P Hubbard  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Simon J Cook, Dr Alun Hubbard, Dr Duncan J Quincey  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials    
  Practical   14 hours  
  Practical   13 hours  
  Other   1 field class  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Three project reports, each no more than 2000 words. One essay report, no longer than 4000 words. (4x25)100%
Supplementary Assessment Students will be required to resubmit failed semester assessments.100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Establish a datalogger station suitable for the automated collection of a variety of environmental data.

2. Gauge the discharge and chemistry of a stream manually and through the use of a data logger.

3 Load and run a computer-based, hydrological balance model of a cold regions catchment.

5. Use a computer-based, hydrological balance model to predict the snow and water state of a cold regions catchment from surface and meteorological data.

6. Demonstrate expertise in terms of the development and application of techniques in a single, selected area of glaciology.

7. Demonstrate expertise in terms of the development and application of techniques in a selected area of Glaciology.

Brief description

The module focuses on providing a practical introduction to the use of a variety of commonly-used glaciological techniques. This is provided through seminar classes, laboratory classes and a field application class.

Content

The module involves exploring the variety of approaches used by researchers in addressing glaciological problems. Module content includes evaluating the merits of combining various approaches to glaciology and includes a strong practical component. Specifically, the module will include one Essay Report and three Projects, as follows:

Project 1: Field-based Campbell Scientific micro-logger programming and implementation. The case study is to be introduced through existing literature on proglacial stream discharges and will be based on a practical stream-gauging exercise.

Project 2: Computer-based satellite image analysis exercise. The case study is to be introduced through existing literature of satellite-derived imagery and will be based on the analysis of such images for terrestrial glacigenic features.

Project 3: Laboratory-based ice experimentation. The case study is to be introduced through existing literature and will be based on establishing and running an experiment to investigate the relationships between ice sublimation and a variety of environmental controls.

Essay Report: Seminar-supported review of the interaction of theory, modelling and empirical data collection in one specific subject area of glaciology.

Module Skills

Problem solving Projects 1 and 3 involve issues associated with the development of data-logger programming and the integration of theory with field and laboratory practice. Project 2 involves computer-based image analysis and manipulation.  
Research skills The Essay Report requires exploration and synthesis of technical and theoretical information.  
Communication Written communication is required in all assessments.  
Improving own Learning and Performance The assessed coursework requires the understanding of issues associated with the module.  
Team work The fieldwork and laboratory research require team collaboration to plan and carry out the experiments.  
Information Technology All projects require IT for data acquisition, analysis and presentation.  
Application of Number Projects 1 and 3 require quantitative data analysis.  
Personal Development and Career planning Personal development will be improved through collaborative field work and mastering techniques.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Goudie, A. (1994) Geomorphological techniques Routledge
Hubbard, B. and Glasser, N. (2005) Field techniques in glaciology and glacial geomorphology Wiley

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7