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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/B505270/1

Changes in glacier geometry and extent in Svalbard: Implications for sea-level rise during the 20th and 21st centuries.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor T Murray, Newcastle University, Civil Engineering and Geosciences
Co-Investigator:
Professor jl wadham, University of Bristol, Geographical Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Professor JP Mills, Newcastle University, Sch of Engineering
Co-Investigator:
Professor M King, University of Tasmania, Geography and Environmental Studies
Co-Investigator:
Professor AJ Payne, University of Liverpool, Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Dr S Barr, University of Leeds, Sch of Geography
Co-Investigator:
Professor P Clarke, Newcastle University, Sch of Engineering
Co-Investigator:
Professor AJ Luckman, Swansea University, College of Science
Science Area:
Freshwater
Earth
Overall Classification:
Earth
ENRIs:
Global Change
Environmental Risks and Hazards
Science Topics:
Glacial & Cryospheric Systems
Climate & Climate Change
Abstract:
The melt of small glaciers is making a substantial contribution to the rapid and accelerating rise of global sea-level. Climate change is predicted to have most effect on temperature in the Arctic, making glaciers in this region particularly vulnerable to melt. This proposal is to collect LiDAR elevation data that will allow direct measurement of the volume changes of benchmark Arctic glaciers in Svalbard over the 20th century. Digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from LiDAR will be differenced from those produced using digital photogrammetry covering the period 1956-present day. Ground control points, which are essential to producing the photogrammetric DEMs, will be derived from the LiDAR data, and the method will also require development of new GPS methods for controlling the LiDAR DEMs from remote base stations. Upscaling of the results to an estimate of 20th century sea-level rise for the archipelago will be achieved through a regional mass balance model driven by ERA40 reanalysis data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. This model will also be used to assess future changes in Svalbard glaciers over the next 100 years under different climatic scenarios. The results will allow better estimation of the contribution of the Svalbard archipelago to sea-level rise over the 20th and 21st centuries.
Period of Award:
1 Nov 2004 - 30 Sep 2008
Value:
£64,843 Split Award
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/B505270/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Standard Grants Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Standard Grant

This grant award has a total value of £64,843  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - T&STotal - StaffTotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect Costs
£5,382£39,332£2,035£18,093

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