Master Project Example - Reconstructing Glacier Change at Gråsubreen and Gråsusnippen, Jotunheimen

Background: Gråsubreen and Gråsusnippen are among the easternmost glaciers in Norway, situated in the Jotunheimen region. Gråsubreen, a polythermal glacier, has been subject to annual mass balance measurements by NVE since 1962. Historical data, including aerial photographs from 1966 and 1984, and detailed surface elevation and extent mappings from 1997, 2009, and 2019, provide a rich dataset for analysis. In 2012, ice thickness was measured along three profiles, and temperature conditions were assessed. Snow distribution on these glaciers is notably influenced by wind transport.

Project description

Research Questions:

  • How have Gråsubreen and Gråsusnippen evolved in terms of area, volume, and surface elevation over recent decades?
  • What insights can be gained from reconstructing historical glacier extents using available imagery?
  • How do wind-driven snow distribution patterns affect the mass balance and morphology of these glaciers?

Work Plan:
Digitise and analyse historical aerial photographs and satellite imagery to reconstruct past glacier extents.Integrate and compare datasets from 1997, 2009, and 2019 to assess changes in surface elevation and extent.Conduct a drone survey in autumn 2025 or 2026 to generate a new high-resolution digital surface model.Analyse the influence of wind transport on snow distribution and its implications for glacier mass balance.

Proposed course plan during the master's degree (60 ECTS)
GEOV316: Glaciology
GEOV325: Remote Sensing and GIS
GEOV336: Field and Laboratory Course in Quaternary Geology

Prerequisites
At least a B in GEOV205 or similar

Field-, lab- and analysis work
Fieldwork: Drone survey planning and execution.
Data Analysis: GIS-based analysis of historical and contemporary imagery; integration of mass balance and temperature data.

Supervisors

Benjamin Robson (main supervisor)

Liss Andreassen, NVE

Last updated: 16.12.2025