Glacial Geology

Catalog description

This course covers almost everything you always wanted to know about glaciers. More specifically, the course provides a survey of glacier dynamics and processes, with an emphasis on understanding the origin and significance of glacial deposits and landforms. The first half of the course examines the physics of glaciers, and the second half focuses on glacial geologic processes. Lectures discuss glaciers and ice sheets as key agents of geomorphic change and their central role in the Earth's climate system. Labs involve analysis of glaciological data, glacial-geomorphic map interpretation, and short field exercises. A required term project involves a written report and class presentation on a topic of active research in glacial geology.