101-0289-00L  Applied Glaciology

Courses

Catalogue data

Abstract	The course transmits fundamental knowledge for treating applied glaciological problems. Topics include climate-glacier interactions, glacier ice flow, glacier hydrology, ice avalanches, and lake ice.
Learning objective	The objectives of the courses are to: - learn about fundamental glaciological processes, including glacier mass balance, ice dynamics, and glacier-related hazards; - apply the above knowledge to some case studies inspired by contract-works performed at ETH's Glaciology section; - generate the own computer code to solve the above case studies, and interpret the results; - understand, both in class and in the field, the practical relevance of glaciology, with a focus on the Swiss applications.
Content	The course will develop along the following outline: - How glaciology became a scientific discipline - Glaciology and hydropower - Glacier mechanics and ice flow - Gravitational glacier instabilities - Glacier hydrology and glacier lake outbursts - Lake ice and ice bearing capacity - Field excursion to Jungfraujoch - Discussion of the exercises performed during the semester
Lecture notes	Digital lecture handouts will be distributed prior to each class.
Literature	Links to relevant literature will be provided during the classes.
Prerequisites / Notice	Completed BSc studies. Basic knowledge in computer scripting in any language (e.g. Python, R, Julia, Matlab, IDL, ...) will be advantageous for solving the exercises. The exercises will be performed in groups. A minimal level of fitness is required for the field excursion.
Competencies	Subject-specific Competencies Concepts and Theories assessed Techniques and Technologies assessed Method-specific Competencies Analytical Competencies assessed Decision-making assessed Media and Digital Technologies assessed Problem-solving assessed Project Management fostered Social Competencies Communication fostered Cooperation and Teamwork assessed Self-presentation and Social Influence fostered Sensitivity to Diversity fostered Personal Competencies Adaptability and Flexibility fostered Creative Thinking assessed Critical Thinking assessed Integrity and Work Ethics assessed Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered Self-direction and Self-management assessed

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits	4 credits
Examiners	D. Farinotti, A. Bauder, M. Werder
Type	graded semester performance
Language of examination	English
Repetition	Repetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit.
Additional information on mode of examination	The graded semester performance consists of a set of individual test cases to be addressed in small groups. Solving the exercises will require some computer scripting. The results will be discussed during the last hour of the semester.

Learning materials

Groups

Restrictions

Offered in

Programme	Section	Type
Civil Engineering Master	Major in Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management	W
Earth Sciences Master	Glaciology: Courses of Choice	W
Physics Bachelor	Electives	W
Environmental Sciences Master	Minor in Physical Glaciology	W