Glaciologist

What is a Glaciologist?

Duties

The primary duties of a glaciologist are listed below:

• Conduct research on the formation and movement of glaciers, snow, ice caps, ice sheets and permafrost, by analysing ice samples and monitoring formations.
• Utilize advanced technologies like satellite imaging or airborne remote sensing, to assess patterns in ice movement and climate induced changes in annual growth layers.
• Wear proper protective gear and equipment for field work, which includes eyewear, crash helmets and body harness.
• Write and publish well-researched reports on experimental findings to share with the glaciologists’ community.
• Interact with clients and government authorities over the phone or in meetings, on report findings and implications.

Day in the Life

Glaciologists live an exciting life, spending months at a stretch living on a glacier somewhere in Greenland or in the artic. The main job of a glaciologist is to conduct various tests in a secure manner, to better understand the movements and transformative processes of glaciers and snow. To do this, you will work both in a standard office and also travel for extended periods to remote locations on team expeditions.

This involves installing markers on a glacier to study its width or height, and record its position. Surveying the markers is helpful to determine how they a glacier moves and in which direction. You will also work with your team to collect snow and ice samples from within the crevasse – this part of the glacier points to historic conditions such as previous alterations in climate, the annual rate of snowfall, chemical properties, etc. Other work you may do is write reports to record your results and findings, assess photos from satellites to find evidence for proofs, and present your research by attending professional conferences, meetings and discussions.

Work Schedule

Glaciers need to be studied up close and to do that, glaciologists head to research stations that are set up in remote, cold regions around the world. Most glaciologists balance their time between working at an office and heading to the north for field work. Office work involves regular hours, 9 am – 5pm, where you process collected data and teach students at college and university. If you are working in the field, you will have odd hours and stay on the glacier for long periods with little or occasional physical activity. You must be physically fit and have good stamina to work in exhausting harsh conditions such as extreme cold temperatures, strong winds, etc.

Growth of the Job

Job growth as a glaciologist, among other geographer careers, has been relatively steady since 2004. The average rate at which job opportunities have emerged is at 12.22 percent each year. The demand for such professions is expected to rise with new job openings to be filled over the next few years. Those with cross-functional expertise and field experience can find lucrative jobs. Alternative career paths for glaciologists include working as an environmental geologist or geophysicist, hydrologist, oceanographer, climate change specialist, climatologist and meteorologist.

Typical Employers

Glaciologists, like others working as geophysical scientists, are employed by colleges, research institutes, universities and the government – federal, state and municipal branches. There are also a few individuals who choose to work as consultants and value self-employment – in such cases, they contract their services to different job sectors such as environmental and engineering firms.