Careers as a Glaciologist Course Details – How to Enter?

Careers as a Glaciologist: Glaciology is the study of the internal dynamics and effects of glaciers. Glaciologists study glaciers to see if they are shrinking (or growing) due to changes in the environment.

Careers as a Glaciologist Personal attributes:

Ability to work in a harsh environment. Mountaineering skill – a definite help because you have to negotiate rough terrain, Ability to keep physically fit. Good communication skills. Great team spirit. Unflinching resolve. Love for nature.
Job duties vary significantly from job to job. However, typical job duties include :

  • Analyzing the formation, movement, and effects of the different kinds of glaciers
  • Collecting samples of ice to test for physical properties, chemical composition, and evidence of life in the ice.
  • Conducting research on ice sheets, shelves, fields, and caps, as well as alpine and arctic glaciers and snow.
  • Using satellite and airborne remote sensing devices to study ice distribution and behaviour.
  • Designing experiments both in the lab and in the field.
  • Installing and testing instruments.
  • Writing reports on experimental findings and synthesize research
  • Communicating with the media and general public on historical and modern glacial activity and its relevance to climate change.

Careers as a Glaciologist How to enter?

After 10+2 from science stream, you can go for a university undergraduate degree in physical/ biological/chemical, earth, and environmental sciences, although the majority of positions are in research and require graduate studies. Master’s degree in physical/environmental sciences will give you an edge.

Careers as a Glaciologist Job Opportunities

Job opportunities exists mainly in environmental and engineering consulting firms, federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal government departments and parks, colleges, universities, and research institutes. Glaciologists work in a variety of work in different locations:

In the office:

  • Doing paperwork and analyzing data for reporting
  • Communicating on the phone and in meetings with clients, govt departments, and the public, and presenting report findings to clients
  • Drafting plans and models
  • Researching new technology and advancements in glaciology, and consulting with other glaciology professionals

In the field: Conducting experiments and gathering data in remote field locations

In the lab:

  • Testing samples and conducting experiments
  • Designing and calibrating new instruments
  • Using remote sensing equipment to study ice and snow

Careers as a Glaciologist – Salary package:

A glaciologist starts at level B, with a salary of Rs 38,900 per month. It takes four to five years for a scientist to be upgraded from level B to C. The senior-most level is H and a scientist can earn as much as Rs 1.3 lakh or more per month. There are other perks as well.

Prominent Institutes offering courses in Glaciologists:

  • Defence Research Development Organisation New Delhi, (www.drdo.org)
  • Jammu University (www.jammuuniversity.in)
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (www.jnu.ac.in)
  • Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Dehradun (www.tifr.res.in)
  • Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun (www.wihg.res.in)

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