Cryospheric change in the Indian Himalaya determined by geomatics and quaternary mapping
This Master's project was designed for Siri Tungland who started the Master's program in Earth sciences, UiB, spring 2025. The Master's project is given by the research group Quaternary geology & paleo climate.
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Project description
This MSc project aims to investigate the dynamics of glaciers in the Chandra region of the Indian Himalayas by integrating multi-temporal remote sensing techniques with field-based quaternary geomorphological mapping. The primary objective is to map and monitor the spatial and temporal evolution of glaciers in this climatically sensitive region over the past several decades and to quantify rates of ice loss, terminus retreat, and surface lowering.
High-resolution satellite imagery, such as Landsat, Sentinel, and historical aerial or declassified imagery, will be used to generate glacier outlines, detect changes in snow and ice cover, and analyse glacier surface elevation change using DEM differencing. These datasets will enable a detailed assessment of how glaciers have responded to recent climatic variability and warming trends.
In addition to the recent changes, the project will also explore longer-term glacier fluctuations by conducting fieldbased quaternary geomorphological mapping. This component will focus on identifying and dating moraines and other glacial landforms to reconstruct past glacier extents, particularly during the Little Ice Age (LIA). By combining modern remote sensing analysis with geological field observations, the project will provide a comprehensive understanding of glacier change across multiple timescales.
Proposed course plan during the master's degree (60 ECTS)
GEOV322 (5 ECTS)
GEOV316 (10 ECTS)
GEOV325 (10 ECTS) / AG-325 at UNIS
GEOV205 (10 ECTS)
GEOV336 (10 ECTS)
GEOV300 (5 ECTS)
Prerequisites
The student nee to be familiar with GIS before starting this project.
Field-, lab- and analysis work
Mostly desktop based, some fieldwork in autumn 2025.
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The project is financed through the CO-INVENT project.
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