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Alpine environments are harsh and dynamic, yet they can also be foci of human activity. In order to make decisions about activity and infrastructure in these environments people first need to understand how physical processes in these environments interact. For example, avalanche hazard is a result of complex interactions between snow accumulation, weather conditions, topography, and human activity. Future water storage will be influenced by long-term climate trends, topography, infrastructure and demand for water. Therefore in addition to understanding physical processes, to manage resources and activities in alpine environments, people also need an understanding of cultural values, and various policies and legislation that help govern development and activities.
The aim of this course is to provide guided advanced level learning about snow and ice processes in alpine environments. This course has a strong skills development focus. Key topics include temperature and precipitation measurement in alpine catchments and avalanche hazard. Knowledge gained through student-lead tutorials, guest lectures, assigned readings, and practical workshops, with be drawn together during a one-day field excursion (weather dependent) to a Canterbury ski area, where students will explore snow accumulation processes and engage with experts working in snow safety management.By the end of this course you should be able to:Describe and analyse key processes and interactions governing climate in alpine terrainCritically assess, and be familiar with, key research that describes process that influence the spatial variability in snow accumulation in alpine settingsApply standard numerical formula to estimate spatial and temporal variability in temperature and precipitation in mountain catchmentsPrepare and confidently use scientific equipment relevant to data collection in alpine and polar environments (e.g. automatic weather stations, ground penetrating radar (GPR)).Identify and discuss key cultural, social and legislative considerations relevant to research in New Zealand’s alpine environments
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Entry subject to approval of the Head of School
GEOG408 and GEOG410
Students must attend one activity from each section.
x 1 THREE-hour lecture per weekOne-day field trip (weather dependent)Attendance of the field trip is voluntary
Heather Purdie
Justin Harrison
Tim Kerr
McClung, David. , Schaerer, P. A; The Avalanche handbook ; 3rd ed; Mountaineers Books, 2006.
Required textbook(s):There are no set-texts but each tutorial will be supported set reading(s) of a relevant scientific paper(s). Students are expected to find and read these papers prior to each lecture. Details of the readings will be provided at the start of the course.
Recommended preparation: GEOG205, GEOG211, GEOG312
Domestic fee $1,145.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .