Back to search

IS-MOBIL-Mobilitetsprogr.f.utl.Ph.D-stu

Dickson Land Ice Masses Evolution (DIL*ICE)

Awarded: NOK 0.13 mill.

Project Manager:

Project Number:

211133

Project Period:

2011 - 2012

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in University of Oslo is a leading centre of polar research. The main purpose of planned departure is to gain new knowledge concerning response of glaciers to the observed climate change. Small glaciers are sensitive climate indicators. In the Arctic glacial systems clearly response to temperature rise, which leads to intensification of melting, and consequently to rapid ice-cover decay. The largest island of Svalbard - Spitsbergen, norwegian Arctic - is pa rticularly subjected to the effects of climate change. The interior zone of Spitsbergen is charecterized by the lowest precipitation and highest summer temperatures, what results in high mass deficit and, consequently, in significant glacier wastage. Poo rly glaciated parts of central Spitsbergen (including Dickson Land - the most isolated from maritime influence) represent large portion of its glaciers, but no glaciological investigations are performed there. Actual state of local ice-masses is therefore unknown. This project aims to research functioning of Dickson Land glaciers and their response to 20th century climate change. The studies include mass balance modelling, geometry changes, thermal structure evolution, dynamics and hydrology. The project follows the newest trends of glaciological research (modern methods including georadar and remote sensing data analysis) and will bring new data about functioning of glaciares in dry climate type of Spitsbergen.

Funding scheme:

IS-MOBIL-Mobilitetsprogr.f.utl.Ph.D-stu