A ‹Cool› Experience: Fieldwork at Oberaar Glacier
Last month as part of module GEO 851 Glacier Mass Balance Measurements and Analysis we visited Oberaar Glacier for a weekend to measure glacier ablation and accumulation. We took snow density measurements, measured ablation stakes, and used a steam hose and mechanical drills to place stakes for next year’s students.
For many students, it was our first time out on a glacier. For me, it was my first time walking on the ice! I’m a first-year master’s student in Earth System Science from Texas, USA, and this course was one of the main things that drew me to the University of Zurich. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.
High Stakes
On our first day in the field, it snowed the entire time. Since we were so far in the mountains, the clouds surrounded us and it felt almost like another planet. It was something I’ve never experienced before. On our second and final day, though, the sun came out as if it were clearing away the clouds just for us. It took everything in me not to stop and take photos of every new landscape I saw.
Each day we hiked 12-16 km to complete our measurements. We split off into teams to ensure we made it to every test site in the allotted time. My group measured ablation stakes and drilled 6 to 10 meters into the ice depending on the location to place new stakes for next year. Other groups dug snow pits and measured snow density. One location saw an ablation of almost 6 meters. It was so rewarding to carry out these measurements ourselves after just using data and models for so long.
Snow Many Memories
Not only was this excursion informative and exciting, it was also a great way to meet my classmates. How many times have you sat in a classroom and not known the name of the person sitting next to you? For me, it’s too many to count. I got to know so many of my classmates from this trip through chatting on our hikes, sharing meals, and working together to take measurements.
Besides making friends, a big plus from this was that participation in discussions during lectures increased – I think because we subconsciously weren’t as afraid to “mess up” in front of our peers. Personally, my peers saw me faceplant in the snow. Once you cross that line, there’s not much else that can embarrass you.
This was truly the experience of a lifetime. How often do you get to spend time with experts in a field … IN their field? I learned so much, saw so many beautiful landscapes, and had so much fun. With glaciers across the world shrinking each year, though, how many more generations of students will have an opportunity like this? Consider that as you look through our photos.