This module will examine the nature of the cryosphere, the contemporary processes and impacts of glaciers and ice sheets and some of the current challenges faced by ongoing changes in cold environments. The following themes will be explored: i) the nature, origin and extent of glacial and periglacial environments, ii) recent research developments in the study of glacial and periglacial processes and their relationships with climate change (e.g. glacier retreat and its impacts on glacier hydrology, sediment budgets, glacier hazards and periglacial processes and environments); iii) the impact of both climate change and anthropogenic activity on the cryosphere and iv) the management decisions with which we are faced as a consequence. These topics will be developed and illustrated through a range of world-wide examples and cutting-edge research findings will be integrated into the module delivery.

1. 10-minute video ‘explainer’ focusing on the impact of one societal aspect of deglaciation (Learning Outcomes 2-4).

2. 1500-word essay from a choice of titles (Learning Outcomes 1-4). The module will incorporate formative assessment opportunities via structured activities in class to enable you to discuss key ideas related to the assessments. Specific guidance will be provided on both assignments with opportunities for you to discuss your ideas.

The 10-minute video will give you the opportunity to research and communicate a specific societal impact of deglaciation (e.g., water security, sea level rise, debris flows, glacial floods) using a range of illustrative media (images, diagrams) and your own commentary (written or verbal). You should design your video to be accessible; it is a means of engaging the public. Specific guidance on this assignment will be given in class and your choice of specific societal impact will be agreed with the module tutor. The assignment has an element of flexibility to encourage innovation and creativity.

The module will be delivered through a combination of:
(a) Lecture-based and discussion sessions outlining key thematic content;
(b) Workshop sessions to help support learning for assessment; these will involve the interpretation and synthesis of text and visual materials available online;
(c) Independent learning through directed reading and assessment.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the nature, extent and evolution of the cryosphere.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
2. Critically appreciate the sensitivity of landscapes in glaciated and periglacial environments to climate change and human activity.

University Learning Outcome
Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
3. Demonstrate an critical awareness of how understanding glacial and periglacial systems can feed into environmental management.

University Learning Outcome
Application Knowledge and Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
4. Critically discuss ideas presented in research literature and the media and communicate those ideas and knowledge clearly.

University Learning Outcome
Communication Enquiry

University Library, internet and email facilities, Blackboard or equivalent VLE, Microsoft Teams. Workshops will require individual access to a laptop or tablet, probably through BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).

Bennett, M. and Glasser, N. 2009. Glacial Geology: Ice Sheets and Landforms (2nd edition). Wiley-Blackwell.
French, H. 2007. The Periglacial Environment (3rd edition). Wiley-Blackwell.
IPCC. 2019. Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/
Knight, P.G. 2019. Glacier: Nature and Culture. Earth Series, Reaktion Books, London.
Slaymaker, O. and Kelly, R. 2006. The Cryosphere and Global Environmental Change. Wiley-Blackwell.

None

What happens when the ice melts? Glaciers and ice sheets feature large in the emerging story of climate change; they are part of Earth's past and its future. Our cryosphere has a major role in the atmospheric and ocean circulations that drive the weather. Glaciers supply water which societies rely on to irrigate land and for drinking and power generation and by storing water, glaciers protect society from sea level rise. This module examines the ice in our world and how it affects - and is being affected by - climate change. We consider a range of impacts, from water security to ‘natural’ hazards in glaciated environments and investigate some of the decisions with which society is being faced because of the changes in our cryosphere.