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Glacial erosion in Antarctica and Greenland measured with detrital thermochronometry
Project Description
This project focuses on how subglacial topography influences ice flow, as features like steep valleys or overdeepened basins can channelize ice movement, while high bedrock ridges act as stabilizing pinning points. Changes in topography due to glacial erosion in Antarctica and Greenland play a crucial role in controlling ice dynamics. Part of the SWAIS 2C initiative (Sensitivity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to +2°C Warming), this project aims to understand the vulnerability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) to global warming, critical for predicting climate change impacts and addressing Paris Agreement targets.
Detrital thermochronology reveals erosion rates and landscape evolution. Detrital samples are sourced from collaborators in the Thwaites and SWAIS 2C projects, as well as Greenland and NE Ice Stream, enabling comparisons of polar erosion.
Lab work at UCL’s London Geochronology Centre provides training in thermochronology, including noble gas mass spectrometry, laser ablation, and solution-based ICP-MS techniques. Numerical modeling is conducted with 3D finite element codes (Pecube) and bespoke Python or MATLAB codes, with training provided. The project offers additional opportunities in ice sheet modeling and provenance analysis, fostering a broad skill set and understanding of polar ice dynamics.
Research themes
Project Specific Training
Lab work will be carried out in the London Geochronology Centre at UCL. This will involve training in all aspects of thermochronology from noble gas mass spectrometry to laser ablation and Solution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The student will be trained by Matthew Fox and other members of the London Geochronology Centre.
Numerical modelling will be carried with 3D finite element codes (Pecube) and bespoke codes written in Python or Matlab designed specifically for this project. Training will be provided in numerical modelling and no prior experience is required. Training will be carried out by Matthew Fox.
There is also scope to work more closely with other aspects of the SWAIS2C project such as ice sheet modelling or provenance analysis. This will require external training from collaborators in Exeter, BAS and Leeds.
Potential Career Trajectory
The project will provide the ideal training to work in academia as the techniques are state-of-the-art and novel. Furthermore, the student will receive training in a broad range of subjects.
Outside of academia, the specific skills related to numerical modelling and Machine Learning, provide opportunities to work in any technology related company.
The lab skills also provide training to work in companies that carry out analytical work, such as environmental agencies or consultancies. Furthermore, these techniques are also used by mining companies who use geochemical techniques to locate and monitor natural resources.
Project supervisor/s
Matthew Fox
Earth Sciences
UCL
m.fox@ucl.ac.uk
Pieter Vermeesch
Earth Sciences
UCL
p.vermeesch@ucl.ac.uk
Supervision balance
70:30