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Theoretical glaciology I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:11
Abstract
Continuum-thermodynamics of ice in the geophysical context. Derivation of material equations for ice (elasticity, visco-elasticity, viscous, heat conducting fluid material with reduction to Glen's flow law and its generalizations), derivation of the shallow ice approximation for cold polar ice sheets on a solid basis and the shallow shelf approximation for ice shelves.
Objective
Development of a basic understanding of the thermomechanical understanding of ice in the geophysical context, applied to glaciers, ice sheets and ice shelves
Content
The course provides the foundation of the physics of ice with emphasis of the climate relevant components: Introduction to the continuum mechanics and thermodynamics of ice problems, balance laws, material equations, thermodynamics, phase changes, elasticity, visco-elasrticity, plasticity of ice under uniaxial and multiaxial stress states. General 3D material relations, theory of cold ice for ice sheets and ice shelves.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Hand-outs and copies of individual chapters of the book project "Theoretical Glaciology, 2nd Edition" of the teacher
Literature
K. Hutter, Theoretical Glaciology, 1st Edition S. Patterson, Physics of Glaciers, 3 Edition
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Theoretical glaciology I
Block course 2 weeks, or biweekly according to the students wishes
For course application please send an email to Prof. Dr. Hutter
|
No time listed | 3 h weekly |