Dr Caroline Clason

Glaciologist and Associate Professor in The Department of Geography

What do you do?

I am a Glaciologist and Associate Professor in Geography, and have been working in this field for over 15 years. I studied at the universities of Dundee and Aberdeen, and my academic career has taken me to Vancouver, Stockholm, and Plymouth before joining Durham University in 2022. I am lucky to have experienced fieldwork in multiple polar and mountain regions, and my love of the outdoors and personal connection to the mountains makes this a subject close to my heart.

How are you involved in this area of science? 

My research focusses on glacier hydrology, particularly: 1) the production and transport pathways of glacial meltwater and their relationship to the flow and stability of glaciers and ice sheets; and 2) the impact of retreating glaciers on downstream freshwater quality and availability.

I have conducted fieldwork in currently glaciated catchments in Greenland, Arctic Sweden, the Peruvian Andes, Iceland, and the European Alps, and have also explored the glacial ‘footprint’ left behind in Scandinavia ~10,000-25,000 years ago through mapping of landforms and computer modelling of the last ice sheet. My current research is predominantly focussed on water resources in glacier-fed catchments, including the accumulation of contaminants on glaciers and their transport through the hydrological system.

This work draws upon both physical and social science to assess the impacts of changing meltwater availability on water security and environmental quality downstream of glaciated catchments under changing patterns of climate and land use.

What do you love about this topic?

Researching glacier change and its impacts can feel difficult; it is an emotive topic and progress on addressing climate change is frustratingly slow. Despite this, I love working in regions of the world that are remote, stunningly beautiful, and provide opportunities to see exciting wildlife, like the Arctic fox cubs in our field camp in Greenland last summer.

I also enjoy doing fieldwork that poses a physical challenge as it allows me to put skills like climbing into practice while giving headspace away from the office. I also really value the collaborations and friendships developed with other researchers during fieldwork.

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

Glaciology is a timely and important topic as the cryosphere is changing rapidly, and my research allows me to make a contribution to understanding what this change means for people and the environment.

My work on the accumulation of contaminants on glaciers is providing new insights into how the water quality of glacier-fed rivers and lakes could be impacted by glacier retreat, and what this, in addition to changing freshwater supply, means for water security. By engaging and collaborating with local communities this knowledge can also inform future strategies for how glaciated catchments can be managed sustainably.

Find out more:

• Explore Dr Caroline Clason's work into the socio-environmental impacts of glacial melt in Peru.
• Watch a short video exploring the importance of glaciers for water, food and energy security.
• Watch a short video about Glacier Gifts, a project which combines science and art and explores the impacts of glacial retreat in the Peruvian Andes.