Module manager: Trystan Surawy Stepney
Email: t.surawystepney@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
A Level Mathematics OR Physics OR approved Level 1 Maths/Physics equivalent
| GEOG3669 | The Cryosphere |
| SOEE5515M | Ice in the Earth System |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The cryosphere, which includes snow, sea ice, glaciers and ice sheets, is a crucial component of the Earth’s climate system, both influencing and responding to global changes. Throughout the history of the Earth, the cryosphere has continuously evolved, with changes occurring on a wide variety of timescales. Recently, many adverse trends have been observed - with reduction of glaciation and sea ice coverage seen across the Earth. Furthermore, many of these changes appear to be accelerating. This module aims to understand these phenomena, their external controls and their long-term historical context, as well as how research in cryospheric science is conducted.
In this module, you will examine the current distribution of ice around the world, placing it within the broader context of global climate. You will also investigate the long-term past and future evolution of Earth’s ice sheets and how these findings relate to our understanding of contemporary climate change.
You will engage with current debates in the research literature to deepen your understanding of the primary drivers of change to the cryosphere, including feedback mechanisms that can accelerate these changes in a warming climate. The module also focuses on the revolutionary advancements in our ability to measure the most remote ice-covered regions on Earth through remote sensing and satellite-based Earth observation.
Through hands-on experience, you will develop your skills in remote sensing and GIS to assess changes in the cryosphere and predict its future evolution. By critically examining these methods, you will gain insights into their limitations and how uncertainties in predictions are managed in practical terms.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1) Analyse the present, past and future distributions of sea ice, snow and glaciers, how these elements of the cryosphere interact with the wider climate, and the key processes that drive their evolution.
2) Evaluate the key metrics scientists use to understand and project the health of different elements of the Cryosphere.
3) Examine the role of Earth Observation in monitoring ice masses across the Earth.
4) Apply data analysis techniques involving the use of GIS software and Earth observation data, and evaluate the associated limitations and uncertainties encountered when using these methods.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1) Critical thinking: Critically engage with contemporary research literature to understand scientific conclusions and sources of uncertainty.
2) Analytical skills: Apply knowledge of cryospheric science in the numerical interpretation and presentation of data.
3) Technical skills: Demonstrate GIS skills to analyse Earth observation data.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Practical | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 82 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
There will be opportunities for students to gain verbal feedback from staff and demonstrators on their ideas, analysis and results prior to the submission of coursework. There will be a practical session after the coursework has been set in which staff and demonstrators will be available. Written feedback will be provided on the coursework.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team