Module Code

ICE2

Module Title

Theoretical Glaciology

Module Coordinator

A. Humbert

Modul Status

Optional

Objectives

After successful completion of the course, students will have acquired

1. an understanding of
• the methods of continuum mechanics
• the balance and constitutive equations of ice sheets and shelves
• the approximations and scaling used in glaciology
2. experience in
   • deriving governing equations of ice flow
   • solving equations using finite elements

Content

In this course, we will derive balance and constitutive equations using the methods of continuum mechanics and complement them with boundary conditions. Subsequently, approximations used in many ice sheet and ice shelf models will be derived and a scaling analysis will be carried out. The equations are solved in exercises using the finite element software COMSOL.

Language

English

Directed Study Time

• Lectures 15 hrs
• Practical exercises 15 hrs

Prerequisites

The seminar is open to advanced Masters and PhD students who have participated in the course ICE1 or have otherwise acquired knowledge in glaciology.

Recommended Semester

1 or 2

Assessment

• Active participation
• Oral examination

ECTS Credit Points

3 CP

Duration

Literature

Greve & Blatter ‘Dynamics of Glaciers and Ice Sheets’ Monograph, Series Advances in Geophysical and Environmental Mechanics" (AGEM), Springer, 2007.