Introduction of the Science Advisory Committee Member: Michiel VAN DEN BROEKE

Michiel VAN DEN BROEKE, Utrecht University - Netherlands

Transcript

1. Expertise and perspective Michiel R. van den Broeke Affiliation Utrecht University, Department of Physics, Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (IMAU) Role Professor of Polar Meteorology, currently leading Ice and Climate research group, former IMAU director Prior experience Fieldwork in Antarctica (coastal and interior Dronning Maud Land, Larsen C ice shelf), Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland, Norway, European Alps Core research areas Polar climate and meteorology, surface mass balance and firn structure and hydrology of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, ice caps and glaciers Research methods In situ observations and climate monitoring, regional climate modelling (RACMO2.4), collaborations for comparison to satellite remote sensing (e.g. GRACE) and vertical bedrock motion
2. Strategic Scientific Opportunities Toward the coast, Andromeda Station & University Research Center is in close proximity to a unique ice shelf system with relatively strong summer melt, notably near the grounding line, and active firn hydrology with englacial meltwater storage. Model calculations also imply the potential presence of firn aquifers, which would be unique in East Antarctica. This offers excellent opportunities to study the hydrofracturing potential of an East Antarctic ice shelf, tying in to oceanographic and ice sheet dynamical research. Toward the interior, Andromeda Station & University Research Center is in close proximity to a unique system of blue ice areas, where the surface mass balance is negative and the firn layer has been removed by drifting snow erosion and sublimation. These ablation processes are highly sensitive to albedo and turbulent exchange feedbacks that are poorly understood. Blue ice fields offers excellent opportunities to seek interdisciplinary research collaborations associated with Antarctica's oldest ice and meteorite collection sites.