The Glaciology group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studies glaciers and ice sheets, and their interaction with the climate system. Our research spans many spatial and temporal scales: from the microscopic interaction of ice and water at grain boundaries, to the internally-driven cyclic behaviour of glaciers and ice streams, to the evolution of continental-scale ice sheets and their contribution to sea level rise in a warming climate. We are interested in everything related to ice!
The glaciology group is growing: If you are interested in investigating glacier and ice sheet dynamics as part of a MSc, PhD or postdoctoral project, please contact Marianne Haseloff for opportunities. Our lab strives to provide an inclusive, enriching and supportive environment to people of all races, national origins, gender identifications, sexual orientations, family situations, and disability statuses.
Glaciology at UW-Madison through time
Glaciology and glacial geology have a long history at UW-Madison. Since John Muir (“Father of the National Parks”) enrolled at UW-Madison as a student in 1861, the university has been home to large number of students and scientists studying glaciers, ice sheets, and their geological imprint. Notable faculty include:
- Fredrik T. Thwaites (faculty at UW-Madison from 1928-1955 and namesake of Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica),
- Robert F. Black (professor at UW-Madison from 1956-1970 and namesake of Black Glacier, Antarctica),
- Charles R. Bentley (professor of glaciology and geophysics from 1961 to 2000 and namesake of Mount Bentley and the Bentley Subglacial Trench in Antarctica),
- David M. Mickelson (professor of glacial geology form 1971-2005).
Current faculty studying glacial environments are Lucas Zoet (UW Surface Processes Lab), Shaun Marcott (Paleoclimate and Glacial Geochronology Group) and Marianne Haseloff (Glacier and ice sheet dynamics).