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Understanding physical processes and earth-atmosphere interactions in alpine and polar environments is crucial for the management of water resources, tourism and recreation, particularly in the context of global climate change. In this course, you will gain knowledge of these processes and interactions, and develop practical skills for collecting and analysing atmospheric, cryospheric (snow and ice) and geospatial data relevant to alpine and polar research.
2021 Covid-19 Update: Please refer to the course page on AKO | Learn for all information about your course, including lectures, labs, tutorials, field trips and assessments.Polar and 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 polar and 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 and polar environments. In 2021, the alpine section of this course will focus on precipitation measurement in alpine catchments and avalanche hazard. The polar section will focus on Antarctic sea ice.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.Learning Outcomes By the end of this course you should be able to:Describe Earth-atmosphere interactions in alpine and polar terrainsCritically assess, and be familiar with, key research that describes process that influence the spatial variability in snow accumulation in alpine and polar settingsPrepare 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 alpine and polar environmentsDemonstrate ability to work in a small team to plan and undertake a research project and professionally present findings in both written and oral formats
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 Department.
GEOG408 and GEOG410
Weekly 2-hour tutorialOne-day field trip (weather dependent)
Heather Purdie
Wolfgang Rack , Tim Kerr and Justin Harrison
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, GEOG312, and ANTA201
Domestic fee $2,066.00
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.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 10 people apply to enrol.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .