What is GLACIODYN?

An international project to examine the dynamic response of Arctic tidewater glaciers to climate change. Supported by the International Arctic Science Committee Working Group on Glaciology (IASC-WAG), it is a contribution to the International Polar Year (2007-2008), and involves researchers from 17 countries. Fieldwork will be conducted at 11 glaciers around the circumpolar Arctic; these data will be used to develop models that will examine the response of these glaciers to climate change.

Which Canadian glacier will be studied?

The Devon Island ice cap has been studied intensively by researchers at the University of Alberta, the Geological Survey of Canada, NASA and the Universities of Aberdeen and Cambridge. Belcher Glacier (75° 39' N; 81° 30' W) is ideal for this project as it is the largest tidewater outlet glacier draining the ice cap, with high calving rates that are a major contributor to annual mass loss (17% of the total annual mass loss from the ice cap is by calving from this outlet).

Who are we?

A group of Canadian researchers who have been working on Arctic glaciers for over ten years. We encompass a range of field, modelling and remote sensing interests, all aimed towards unlocking the secrets of glacier dynamics, hydrology, and ocean-atmosphere interactions.

Browse our webpage to read more about our project. Send us an email if you have questions or comments about our work.