Between a rock and a cold place: glaciers and landscape development

Hosted by Dr Simon Cook

Glaciers and ice sheets have had a profound influence in shaping Earth’s landscapes. They have scoured vast areas of continental crust, carved deep valleys, and generated huge volumes of sediment. But how has a relatively soft material like ice been able to mould landscapes that are made from much harder rock? We’ll explore the processes by which glaciers erode landscapes, and also look at the deposition of sediments generated through glacial erosion. This lecture will also consider why an applied knowledge of glacial geomorphology is so important – from implications for hydropower development to the safe burial of radioactive waste, and much more.

Dr Simon Cook is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Change at the University of Dundee. Simon’s work focuses on understanding the mechanisms that shape Earth’s landscapes, including glacial, fluvial and mass movement processes; and assessing the response of glacial environments to climate change, including landscape instability, hazards, water resource and hydropower issues.

 This session has already taken place, you can view the recording below:

Share with friends