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Participation in UNIS course AG-325 Glaciology 2025

Lay summary

Description of the programme

The six-week Glaciology course at UNIS in Svalbard mainly focused on the dynamics, hydrological processes and mass balance of the thermally complex glaciers in Svalbard. The lectures covered the basics and the current research and on the field days we applied the methods hands on in small groups, using firn coring, radar and hydrological measurements. The course was evaluated with a grant proposal and a field report.

How did you benefit from the programme?

In my previous studies, the focus was mostly on Alpine glaciers. The UNIS course was a great opportunity to learn more about the specialties of Svalbard’s glaciers. Along the way, I also gained some new role models. Half of the lecturers were women, and beyond sharing their impressive scientific knowledge, they also taught us some nice practical skills - like how to pee in the field as a woman if you’re wearing many layers including a snowmobile suit.

What were the highlights of the training?

The days we spent on and around Svalbard’s glaciers were wonderful. One of the highlights for me was taking measurements on polythermal glaciers, which I have never done before. We took firn cores and performed high and low frequency GPR measurements on the glacier itself and characterized the water chemistry in icings in the glacier forefields. Another highlight was when we visited the world’s hotspot for surging glaciers, I could have spent the whole day looking at the ice that is broken up by a maze of crevasses.

Would you recommend the programme to other students?

Yes, definitely! UNIS Glaciology is a combined course for master and PhD students, and I would recommend it to everyone interested in glaciology who likes research and fieldwork in remote places, can endure cold temperatures and likes ski touring.

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