Sean Fitzsimons

University of Otago

The goal of this research is to develop an understanding of the interactions between glaciers and permafrost that will permit models of glaciers to realistically parameterize ice motion. Improvement of such models is central to their success in predicting glacier response to climate change. We aim to achieve this by undertaking a multi parameter investigation into the formation of ice-rich permafrost and the principal controls of permafrost deformation at the margins and beneath cold-based glaciers.

Metadata links

The behaviour of dry based glaciers and the interpretation of Pleistocene glacial deposits from glaciers in the Dry Valleys

Investigations of the accretion of ice at the base of dry based glaciers in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (Suess, Canada, LaCroix, Taylor, Lower Wright, Clark and Upper Victoria glaciers)

The hydrology (pattern of flow and composition of meltwater) of a cold based glacier, Wright Lower Glacier, Wright Valley

GPR survey of the Wright Lower, Victoria Upper and Suess Glacier margins, in the McMurdo Dry Valleys

Interactions between liquid water and ice at Minna Saddle, McMurdo Sound

GPR surveys, meteorological and hydrology data from the Joyce, Garwood and Hobbs glaciers in the McMurdo Dry Valleys to investigate glacier-permafrost interactions