NIGK23007U Glacial Geoscience

Knowledge:

Glacial dynamics in a changing climate with a focus on meltwater production, sediment transport, and landscape modification from the glacial source through the proglacial fluvial system. Landscape development is studied at various temporal scales from long term steady states to rapid extreme events exemplified trough cases from Greenland and Denmark. Dynamic processes, sediment transport and morphological response from glaciers to the sea. This will include Glacial processes; Fluvial processes; Erosion and deposition of both cohesive and non-cohesive sediments; Formation of fluvial and estuarine landscapes; Coastal wetland response to sea level fluctuations; Geo-chronology; 

Skills:

• apply, evaluate and analyse methods, theories and data related to the course subjects.
• carry out some of the more common calculations and tasks related to glacial, fluvial and estuarine processes
• analyse and discuss data-sets from studies dealing with glacier dynamics, sediment transport and sedimentary deposits
• give a short, concise and well-illustrated oral presentation on the basis of scientific papers.
• write a short, concise report aimed at colleagues within the business world, public institutions or research institutions.

Competences:

The aim of the course is to provide a broad basis for studies of processes in glacial, fluvial and estuarine environments and to understand their response to climate change and sea level fluctuations. At the end of the course the student will have an understanding of the most important processes in glacial, fluvial, estuarine and marine environments and associated landforms. The student will have an understanding of the impacts and feed-backs of climate change with respect to geomorphology. The student will understand the importance of observations and hypothesis testing and should be able to design studies within the field of sediment transport and geomorphology. The student will have knowledge about strengths and weaknesses associated with common methods and analysis procedures used within this field of research and should be able to make a professional-style oral presentation and back it up by a short, concise report.