Physics of Glaciers (lesson on a glacier)

Learn how glaciers work, from a glaciologist, whilst on a glacier!

Fabian Walter of ETH Zurich joined a group of us on the Gorner Glacier (Gornergeltscher) in the Swiss Alps to explain the physics behind what we were seeing. Topics covered include glacial floods, drainage systems, mass balance and the effects of climate change.

Produced by Dr Tom Crawford at the University of Oxford.

You can also follow Tom on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @tomrocksmaths.

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With thanks to:
Fabian Walter
WCSJ Lausanne
Tobias Bender
John Bryant
Julio del Castillo Vivero
matveichhg
Sgprolab
Jax Austin
Hair Nair
VAW Archives
Guillame Jouvet
Google Earth
Gerdami
The Moon Riders

All work is credited in the video, and licenced under Creative Commons.

[TomRocksMaths]

A warm welcome to all the new subscribers from Mike Boyd - hope you enjoy what I've got for you :)

[chimetimepaprika]

I wish more people used the internet for stuff like this.

[dcphysicsiit-r]

Very beautiful video ; It explains a lot about the cycles of glaciers while not getting deep into maths to take care of people who dont have a background in mathematics.
Thanks for the video.

[Pshady]

Didn’t think I would be learning about glaciers today, welcome surprise

[nurasyraf]

Yay new video, hello from MALAYSIA 🇲🇾

[Miragedeluded]

What is the reason behind sudden melting of rocky ice, the moment it touches water?

[manishkansal]

Glacial lake outburst floods, highlighted in this video, has recently caused loss of lives and damage in Uttrakhand, India. One of the worst examples of such disasters is Kedarnath floods in 2013. I hope Government of India take in account of a collaborative scientific approach to manage highly vulnerable Himalayan region.

[DrEthre]

Tom is there a chance you'll make a discord server? :)

[johnclerk]

Frightening. As a kid we used to hike around at the Athabasca Glacier... it's receding at faster rates yearly, and by one account (I don't remember the source) will be gone within a generation, depending how one measures a generation, usually 20 years.

[aaronlad]

Is it a coincidence that I covered glaciers in geography today lol

[ericvauwee]

I dont get shit but I love your content nevertheless.