Our group studies how and why glaciers change, particularly over short (daily to multi-decadal) timescales. We combine data science, satellite remote sensing, field observations, and numerical models to better understand and predict glacier behavior. We are increasingly focused on leveraging machine learning techniques to quantify the impacts of these changes, both on local communities and on regional physical processes.
What processes drive iceberg calving? How do tides influence ice flow and calving frequency?
ATLAS is a terrestrial LiDAR that automatically scans the terminus of Helheim Glacier, East Greenland every 6 hours (once a day in the winter). It is powered by solar panels and fuel cells and gives us high-temporal and high-spatial resolution data of glacier behavior.
Recent ATLAS paper and data available: Shahin et al., 2025.
Where and how does iceberg calving initiate? Do certain climate conditions favor or reduce calving size or frequency?
Our time-lapse cameras, coupled with satellite observations and ocean mooring data from our colleagues, allows us to explore the controls on calving behavior. Iceberg calving patterns yield insight into ice discharge patterns and processes (basal sliding, submarine melt) that are hard to quantify. Better calving constraints are needed to better parameterize ice sheet models.
Recent paper on the role of melange on calving: Meng et al, 2024.
What is the distribution of icebergs in proglacial fjords? How can we better predict and observe iceberg (and sea ice) pathways in Arctic shipping lanes?
We apply machine learning techniques to publicly-available and commercial satellites to delineate icebergs in proglacial fjords. Our goal is to develop multi-sensor workflows to track individual icebergs as they transit from glacier termini to the open ocean.
How vulnerable are specific regions in High Mountain Asia to climate-related hazards? How are cryosphere-related hazards projected to change under different emissions scenarios?
Here, we explore how regions in High Mountain Asia are (and will continue to be) impacted by changes in climate – glacier melt, precipitation changes, drought, floods, landslides, GLOFs, extreme heat, and air quality changes. These vulnerabilities are often explored in isolation; we highlight the importance of investigating them collectively.
