Ice is Nice (And Slow): Variations in Velocity of the Kaskawulsh Glacier, Yukon Territory

Whitehorse, Yukon – The St. Elias Icefield is one of the largest non-polar icefield in the world and is home to the Kaskawulsh Glacier, a 70 km long glacier located in Kluane National   Park. The study explores the seasonal variations in the surface velocity of the Kaskawulsh Glacier using a combination of surface ice motion measurements (dGPS) and new satellite image analysis techniques. Velocity variations have been linked to seasonal and daily changes in air temperature and melt-water inputs. Results from the remote sensing techniques will be validated by the surface measurements to an accuracy of a few centimeters, so that slight speed up events can be documented.

This research will be the basis for Samantha Darling’s Master’s thesis towards a MSc. in Geography at the University  of Ottawa. She is a MSC student at the University  of Ottawa, focusing on variations in surface velocity of the Kaskawulsh Glacier. She just completed a Northern Research Internship at Parks Canada’s Yukon Field Unit, focusing on the glaciers of Kluane. Samantha was born and raised in the Yukon and spent two years at Yukon College before completing her undergrad at University of Lethbridge.

Where: Yukon College Lecture Hall, A2206

Date: Thursday, September 23

Time: 12:15 – 1pm.  

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Contact: Yukon Research Centre of Excellence

                   668 8895