Proglacial lake evolution and implications for ice dynamics and glacier melt rates.

Small Arctic glaciers are numerous, have responded rapidly to climate change, and have made a significant sea-level contribution in recent decades. Proglacial lakes have developed at the snouts of some of these retreating glaciers and in many cases appear to be growing, but may also respond more subtly to shorter-term variations in rates of ice melt. These lakes are of interest because their presence has implications for further ice melt and ice dynamics. Furthermore, in situations where such lakes might drain and dry out, residual deposited sediments may become airborne and impact local ice-albedo and subsequent melt. The aim of this project is therefore to explore this proglacial lake system in Arctic locations, and to investigate how it has evolved in recent years.
Initially, this exciting project will use Earth Observation (EO) data to generate an inventory of ice-contact lakes. The initial focus will be in Arctic Sweden, but may extend elsewhere. EO techniques (developed by co-supervisor Bryant) will then be used to detect and quantify dynamic changes in lake area, volume and depth over seasonal, annual and decadal timescales. Once lakes that are growing, as well as any lakes that are shrinking, have been identified, the project’s second phase will focus on characterizing links and feedbacks within this system, before considering the impacts of lake-size changes on ice dynamics. This second phase of the project will involve fieldwork and we will explore the possibility of utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and digital photographic techniques for gathering repeat imagery of a small number of glacier/lake-systems, which will be focused upon in greater detail.

This PhD project is part of the NERC funded Doctoral Training Partnership “ACCE” (Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment). This is a partnership between the Universities of York, Sheffield and Liverpool, and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

Selection process: Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to take place at the University of York on w/c 9th February 2015. Video interviews can be arranged for international applicants.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the main supervisor and discuss the project prior to applying.

http://www.york.ac.uk/environment/postgraduate/nercdtp/#tab-1