Global Warming & Glacier Retreat

The retreat of mountain glaciers around the world has been linked to recent climate change caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions (‘global warming’). Small glaciers (e.g. less than a few kilometres in area) are most vulnerable, with reports of their disappearance from several regions. However, the response of small glaciers to climate change can be modulated by non-climatic factors (such as topographic shading and shielding from debris on their surfaces). The ultimate demise of small glaciers is, therefore, rather poorly understood and difficult to predict. As such, there is an urgent need for detailed monitoring of these glaciers in a variety of settings.

This apprenticeship will investigate the recent response of small glaciers in northern Iceland using both satellite imagery and field observations.

The apprenticeship will benefit from ‘hands-on’ training in a range of industry-standard remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software for analysing imagery obtained from aerial photographs and a variety of satellite sensors. These key skills are transferable to a range of scientific problems and environmental management and will enhance the student’s career prospects both inside and outside of academia. The student will also benefit from fieldwork, which will enable the student to develop their personal attributes in terms of organisation, team-work, tenacity, and leadership skills.