Theme 5: Expertise in field data collection and analysis and expedition skills

 

I have contributed to several Alpine research expeditions over the last 6 years, where I have gained expertise in scientific data collection, expedition planning, glacier travel, collaboration with colleagues in remote areas, as well as training of students in field techniques and methods.

 

Specific contributions include

 

  • Aug 04 & Jul-Aug 05 & July-Sept 06 & July 07 & July 08 & Jul-Aug 09: Glaciological field work on Shackleton Glacier, Clemenceau Icefield, Rocky Mountains, BC. Expedition leader of 3-4 person remote field camp (helicopter access only): ice dynamics, surface melt, roughness, hydrology and katabatic wind measurements, surveying, GPS.
  • June 2006: Glaciological Fieldwork on Chhota Shigri Glacier, Indian Himalayas: GPS, mass balance, climate station, lichenometry, high altitude logistics
  • Jul 04 & Aug 05: Fluvioglacial field work, Robertson Glacier, Kananaskis Provincial Park. Expedition leader of 3 person field camp: Discharge and electrical conductivity measurements.
  • Jan-Mar 04: Snow pack analysis, Castle Mountain Resort, Rocky Mountains, AB: Training and supervision of research student: snowpit analysis, terrain and weather observations.
  • Jan 02 & Aug 03: Glaciological field studies, Haig Glacier, Kananaskis Provincial Park (with S Marshall, U. of Calgary): meteorological instrumentation (weather stations/ablation stakes), snow pit analysis, alpine expedition skiing, avalanche safety, winter logistics.
  • Previous contributions include 1998: (i) Glaciological field studies on Bakaninbreen, Svalbard, High Arctic (Murray et al., 2000; 2003; Smith et al., 2002), (ii) Logistics glaciology, Falljökull, outlet of Vatnajökull, Iceland, 1992: (iii) Sedimentological field studies, Boulonnais, France, 1991: (iv) Glacial geomorphological field studies, Russell Glacier, Greenland, and 1991 to present numerous short-term field campaigns Europe and North America.
  • I have had training in First Aid (UK & Canada), Self defence and the Polar Bear (Weapon handling and safety), Crevasse rescue & Mountain safety, Hazard Assessment, and I hold a Canadian Possession Acquisition License (PAL) for unrestricted firearms.
  • Field training of students through field work in the Kananaskis Provincial Park, AB (2 students) and Shackleton Glacier, Clemenceau Icefield, BC (12 students) and through delivering courses with substantial fieldwork components: Field techniques in the Earth Sciences (S Alberta: 121 students), Glacial processes, measurements & models (S Alberta: 20 students), Quaternary Geology (S Alberta: 7 students), Independent studies (20 students since 2003), (Glacial Geomorphology & Geology Fieldwork (NE Yorkshire, UK: 65 students) and Quaternary Glaciations (Yorkshire Dales, UK: 30 students).