The course transmits fundamental knowledge for treating applied glaciological problems. Topics include climate-glacier interactions, glacier ice flow, glacier hydrology, ice avalanches, and lake ice.
Lernziel
The objectives of the courses are to: - learn about fundamental glaciological processes, including glacier mass balance, ice dynamics, and glacier-related hazards; - apply the above knowledge to some case studies inspired by contract-works performed at ETH's Glaciology section; - generate the own computer code to solve the above case studies, and interpret the results; - understand, both in class and in the field, the practical relevance of glaciology, with a focus on the Swiss applications.
Inhalt
The course will develop along the following outline: - How glaciology became a scientific discipline - Glaciology and hydropower - Glacier mechanics and ice flow - Gravitational glacier instabilities - Glacier hydrology and glacier lake outbursts - Lake ice and ice bearing capacity - Field excursion to Jungfraujoch - Discussion of the exercises performed during the semester
Skript
Digital lecture handouts will be distributed prior to each class.
Literatur
Links to relevant literature will be provided during the classes.
Voraussetzungen / Besonderes
Completed BSc studies. Basic knowledge in computer scripting in any language (e.g. Python, R, Julia, Matlab, IDL, ...) will be advantageous for solving the exercises. The exercises will be performed in groups. A minimal level of fitness is required for the field excursion.