Module Identifier GG30310  
Module Title PHYSICAL GLACIOLOGY  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Dr Bryn Hubbard  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Lecture   11 x 1.5 to 2 hour lectures  
Assessment Exam   2 Hours Written examination.   100%  
  Resit assessment   2 Hours Same format.   100%  

Module Outline (Lecture Themes)

  1. Introduction to Physical Glaciology: glacier distribution, classification and formation
  2. Glacier structure and mass balance
  3. Glacier response to climate change
  4. Glacier motion (i):

    5.    Internal deformation
  5. Glacier motion (ii):

    6.    Basal sliding
  6. Glacier motion (iii):

    7.    Bed deformation
  7. Glacier hydrology (i):

    8.    Meltwater production and flow routing
  8. Glacier hydrology (ii):

    9.    Subglacial drainage and its implications
  9. Glacier hydrology (iii):

    10.    Patterns of meltwater discharge and quality
  10. Surge-type Glaciers
  11. Course recap and revision

Module Aims


The module aims to provide an introduction to physical glaciology through a number of specific objectives. These involve developing a firm understanding of:

Module objectives / Learning outcomes


On completion of this module students should be able to understand: 1) the physical relationships between glacier size, climate and climate change; 2) processes of glacier motion and its environmental controls; 3) the functioning of glaciers as dynamic hydrological systems. In gaining this understanding, you should be able to appreciate the relative strengths and weaknesses of the techniques employed in glaciological investigations, and to critically evaluate and synthesize contemporary glaciological research results.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Benn, D. and Evans, D.. (1998) Glaciers and Glaciation. Arnold
Bennett, M.R. & Glasser, N.F.. (1996) Glacial Geology : Ice Sheets and Landforms. Wiley
Paterson, W.S. B.. (1994) The Physics of Glaciers. 3rd. Pergamon Press, Elsevier Science. Oxford
Sugden, D. and John, B.S.. (1976) Glaciers and Landscape. Edward Arnold. London