You would be a rare person if you had not seen stories about shrinking snow and ice in polar and mountain regions. Earth is experiencing unprecedented glacier recession in response to increasing global temperatures.

Often the consequences of glacier demise are focused on rising sea levels and diminishing water resources – both of which are extremely important. But have you ever pondered the wider implications?

What are the effects of shrinking snow and ice on to those who enjoy moving among them? What are the effects of glacier recession on alpine recreation and tourism? In her upcoming free UC Tauhere Connect public lecture, Darkening peaks, on Wednesday 17 July, University of Canterbury glaciologist Associate Professor Heather Purdie explores the subject.

Weaving her latest research results from inside crevasses at Haupapa | Tasman Glacier with long-term glacier monitoring in Ka Tiritiri te Moana | the Southern Alps, Associate Professor Purdie will take you on a journey into the mountains explaining how glaciers work, what’s changing and why mountain peaks are becoming darker.

About the speaker

Dr Heather Purdie is an Associate Professor and glaciologist in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Canterbury. Also a mountaineer, Heather has spent much time exploring the mountains of Aotearoa New Zealand, and has been monitoring glaciers for two decades. Her research focuses on how glaciers respond to climate change and the implications of glacier recession on mountain recreation and tourism.

UC Tauhere Connect public talk: Darkening Peaks – alpine adventures hit by shrinking glaciers Presented by Associate Professor Heather Purdie, UC Science, 7pm – 8pm, Wednesday 17 July 2024, in the Central lecture theatre (C Block), Ilam campus, University of Canterbury, Christchurch. Register to attend free at: www.canterbury.ac.nz/ucconnect.
This event will be livestreamed on UC’s Facebook page, is free to register to attend in person or can be viewed later on YouTube. Videos of UC Tauhere Connect talks are available a week after the live lecture. Check them out here.