Glaciology

Glaciology concerns the study of the dynamics of ice sheets and glaciers, and as such might be considered as an abstruse branch of fluid mechanics, but with a lot of extra physics thrown in. Glaciers and ice sheets do some very interesting things, for example surge periodically, or release periodic subglacial floods, and they have done even more spectacular things in the past, during ice ages, when they have been instrumental in causing vast and rapid shifts in the Earth's climate.

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People working in this area within OCIAM are

• Dr Andrew Fowler

The Trapridge Glacier, Yukon Territory. This is a surge-type glacier, currently advancing, as manifested by the 70 metre high ice cliff. Photo courtesy Garry Clarke.