Ice of the Earth - Introduction to Glaciology

Timetable

Hello there, ice enthusiasts! My name is Jakub, and I'm a glaciologist and science communicator with many years of experience in the Arctic, Antarctica and some high mountains.

If you wish to expand your understanding of climate change impact on ice, join me in April and/or May 2026! Subscribe to the course and send me an email with your availability once you know it. 

The exact timing of our meetings will be agreed with you (and all your classmates) in February - the goal is to maximise your presence during the classes. We will try to make the course short and beginner-friendly, filled with lectures about ice and practical exercises on laptops using some basic software. I aim for 3-5 longer meetings on days that suit most students. 

The course will be held in Collegium Geographicum on Morasko campus. 

Module aim (aims)

Climate change has been severely impacting global ice cover over the past decades, causing a sharp decline in ice both on land and in the oceans. This change poses risks for billions of people worldwide, making it crucial to understand ice-related processes and their consequences in order to prevent the collapse of the global cryosphere.

This course is intended for students from all faculties who are interested in how climate change affects Earth’s ice. It aims to introduce the most fundamental topics in glaciology, including the role of glaciers in the Earth system, their interactions with the climate and oceans, the main components of glacier mass balance, and the basic concepts of glacier motion.

The course is taught by an active glaciologist and science communicator with two decades of experience studying Arctic glaciers. It offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of major climate-change impacts—whether or not glaciers exist in your home country—because the influence of melting ice extends far beyond national borders.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Only a basic background in geography is recommended. The course is presented in an easy-to-follow manner, so students with no prior experience are also welcome.

Syllabus

[Class 1] Introduction, the global role of ice, and course content;
[Classes 2-6] Glacier hydrology, motion and mass balance - fundamental theories to understand icy giants
[Classes 7-9] Response of glaciers and ice sheets to climate change - observed and predicted for the future

Reading list

Suggested textbook: Benn & Evans: Glaciers and Glaciation (2011 or earlier) - in case of no availability use any relevant textbook