Assoc. Prof. Heather Purdie explains why glaciers are the perfect barometer of climate change. A highlight from the University of Canterbury's Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023 series.

Hear Heather Purdie in this highlight from the University of Canterbury's Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023

Are you still uncertain about climate change? Go and visit a glacier - if you can find one.

Glaciers don't lie; their size is directly linked to climate; they expand and recede as temperature and snowfall patterns change. Glaciers store fresh water, conveniently releasing it during the warmest months of the year. If water is locked-up in a glacier, then it cannot contribute to sea level rise. Glaciers provide pathways into remote mountains, they are beautiful, they are complex.

Weaving her latest research results from inside crevasses at Haupapa/Tasman Glacier with long-term glacier monitoring in Ka Tiritiri te Moana/Southern Alps, Dr Heather Purdie takes the audience on a journey into the mountains explaining how glaciers work, and why scientists view them as accurate indicators of climate change.

About the speaker

Heather Purdie

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

This session is broadcast in association with the University of Canterbury's Raising the Bar Christchurch night, held in May 2023

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details