1. On completion of this module, you will be able to critically appreciate the nature, origin and physical characteristics of glacial and periglacial environments
Knowledge and Understanding

2. On completion of this module, you will understand the role of glacial and periglacial processes in shaping the landscapes of some cold environments
Knowledge and Understanding

3. On completion of this module, you will appreciate the sensitivity of landscapes in glaciated and periglacial environments to climate change and human activity
Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding

4. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate an awareness of how understanding glacial and periglacial systems can feed into environmental management
Application, Knowledge and Understanding

5. On completion of this module, you will be able to critically discuss ideas presented in the research literature and communicate ideas and knowledge clearly
Communication, Enquiry

One end-of-module class test consisting of two essay questions from a selection of titles; one seen essay response (50%) and one unseen essay response (50%)


The class test will address Learning Outcomes 1-5 listed above.

This module will examine the nature of glacial and periglacial environments, 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 (e.g. advances in our knowledge of glacier movement processes, glacier hydrology, glacial sediment entrainment, sediment budgets, the behaviour of mountain glaciers, 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.

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.

Benn, D. and Evans, D. 2010. Glaciers and Glaciation (2nd edition). Hodder Education. (MAIN TEXT)
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.
Slaymaker, O. and Kelly, R. 2006. The Cryosphere and Global Environmental Change. Wiley-Blackwell.

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