Register now After registration you will be able to apply for this opportunity online.
This opportunity is not published. No applications will be accepted.
Velocity seasonality of high-altitude debris-covered glaciers
Recent studies have highlighted the seasonality of surface velocity on debris-covered glaciers, indicating basal sliding and active subglacial hydrology. This thesis will focus on analyzing these patterns and understand their controls.
Recent advancements have enabled an improved understanding of annual-average glacier velocities in High Mountain Asia (Dehecq et al, 2015) and highlighted the seasonality of glacier velocity for select valley glaciers, even with very low annual rates of motion (e.g. Kraaijenbrink et al, 2016; Benn et al, 2017). Pronounced seasonal variability of surface velocity is a strong indicator for the importance of basal sliding and subglacial hydrology for these glaciers, which is slightly surprising considering their accumulation areas are the highest in the world. However, it remains to be seen how consistent these patterns of glacier motion are, and whether glacier attributed such as size and elevation are major controls.
Recent advancements have enabled an improved understanding of annual-average glacier velocities in High Mountain Asia (Dehecq et al, 2015) and highlighted the seasonality of glacier velocity for select valley glaciers, even with very low annual rates of motion (e.g. Kraaijenbrink et al, 2016; Benn et al, 2017). Pronounced seasonal variability of surface velocity is a strong indicator for the importance of basal sliding and subglacial hydrology for these glaciers, which is slightly surprising considering their accumulation areas are the highest in the world. However, it remains to be seen how consistent these patterns of glacier motion are, and whether glacier attributed such as size and elevation are major controls.
This project will use freely-available high-resolution orthoimagery to determine annual and seasonal surface velocities for a population of glaciers in several zones across High Mountain Asia. The research will then examine the extent and magnitude of seasonal velocity variations to consider the importance of basal motion across the region.
This project will use freely-available high-resolution orthoimagery to determine annual and seasonal surface velocities for a population of glaciers in several zones across High Mountain Asia. The research will then examine the extent and magnitude of seasonal velocity variations to consider the importance of basal motion across the region.
For further information please contact Dr. Francesca Pellicciotti (francesca.pellicciotti@wsl.ch) or Dr. Evan Miles (evan.miles@wsl.ch)
For further information please contact Dr. Francesca Pellicciotti (francesca.pellicciotti@wsl.ch) or Dr. Evan Miles (evan.miles@wsl.ch)