Module Identifier EAM0820  
Module Title APPROACHES TO GLACIOLOGY  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Bryn P Hubbard  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Alun Hubbard, Dr Richard L H Essery  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials    
  Practical    
  Other   2 field classes  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Three projects, each no more than 2000 words. One report, no longer than 4000 words. (4x25)100%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit failed elements of coursework.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 a variety of commonly used glaciological techniques. This is provided through seminar classes, laboratory classes and field application classes.

Content

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

Report: Seminar-supported review of the interaction of theory, modelling and empirical data collection in glaciology.

Project 1: Field-based Campbell Scientific micro-logger programming and implementation. Case study to be introduced through existing literature on proglacial stream discharges and based on a practical stream gauging exercise (BH).

Project 2: Laboratory-based experimentation on ice properties using the Institute'r Cold Laboratory. Experiments will combine theory with micro-logger use to investigate interrelationships between ice/water properties and freezing temperatures and rates (PC).

Project 3: Computer-based mass balance modelling exercise. Case study to be introduced through theoretical considerations of mass and energy balances of snow and ice and based on the practical application of temperature-index and energy balance models using meteorological data (RE).

Module Skills

Problem_solving Projects 1 and 2 involve challenging issues associated with the development of data-logger programmes and integration of theory with field and laboratory practice. Project 3 involves computer-based model manipulation and application.  
Research skills The Essay Report requires exploration and synthesis of technical and theoretical material.  
Communication Written communication is required in all assessments.  
Improving own Learning and Performance The assessed coursework requires students to develop their understanding of issues associated with the module.  
Team work The fieldwork associated with Projects 1 and 3 require team collaboration in terms of preparation and the effective use of time in the field.  
Information Technology Projects 1 and 2 involve use of IT for modelling and data analysis and presentation.  
Application of Number Not significant.  
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