Research Interests

In brief:

I am a field glaciologist studying the internal structure of ice masses to advance our knowledge of their 3D composition and dynamics. To achieve this, I use geophysical instruments to measure various material properties along boreholes usually drilled by hot, pressurized water. The resulting datasets inform computer models, implemented by international collaborators, to predict future changes in Earth's ice masses under different climate-change scenarios. Understanding these responses is crucial for evaluating the impact of climate change on sea levels, global water resources, and hazard development. These projections ensure we are better equipped to develop effective strategies to prepare for, and address, future environmental challenges.

More specifically:

Current research interests (summarized here: https://users.aber.ac.uk/byh/) include:

• Using pressurized hot-water to drill boreholes into glaciers to investigate ice properties and englacial and basal processes.
• Links between subglacial drainage and ice motion via borehole access.
• Ice shelf structure and ice characteristics, including ice coring and hot-water drilling.
• The physical character of glacier ice and basal ice.
• Optical televiewing (OPTV) of boreholes in glaciers, ice sheets and ice shelves.
  • Technique development: Tsanfleuron Glacier, Switzerland & King Baudouin Ice Shelf, Antarctica 
  • Structural glaciology and sediment transfer: Midre Lovénbreen, Svalbard, Khumbu Glacier, Nepal, & Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctica
  • Ice shelf structure: Roi Baudouin Ice Shelf & Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctica.
  • Ice sheet structure: NEEM deep borehole, Greenland.
  • Ice stream processes: Store Glacier, Greenland.
• Basal ice physical properties and processes of formation and deformation.
• The structure and dynamics of glacial lakes and drainage systems.
• The physical character of subglacial sediment.
• The occurrence and character of glacier-like forms on Mars.

Research experience includes leading or participating in ~100 field campaigns over 35 years at glaciers in Antarctica, Greenland, Svalbard, the European Alps, Peru, Nepal, the Canadian Rockies, Norway, and the Canadian Arctic.