ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1844-274X
I teach atmospheric science and glaciology at Swansea Univeristy, while my reasarch concentrates on computational methods in contemporary large scale ice flow physics.
I am a lead author of the BISICLES adaptive mesh ice sheet model
Dale Field course The Dale Field course is a weekend residential field trip for Year 1 Geography students. The aim of the course is to undertake human and physical geography field work in conjunction with the Field Studies Centre in Dale Village, Pembrokeshire. Although field work will be undertaken, the module is un-credited, as the main aim of the trip is to allow the students a safe space to meet and engage with fellow students. This module is has been developed as a response to feedback (University, and NSS) that suggested students needed a way of meeting and socialising before their Year 2 international field trips.
This module forms the essential foundation for any more advanced study of physical geography. It introduces the four main Earth systems: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere. It provides a sound understanding of the processes within each system, and of the interactions between them. The atmosphere section deals with flows of energy and moisture and their role in controlling climate over both space and time. The hydrosphere section focuses on the concepts of the hydrological cycle and main processes associated with the water fluxes. The biosphere section deals mainly with flows of energy and nutrients between Earth systems. The geosphere section introduces topics like the origin of Earth, the concept of plate tectonics, describes the distribution of different rock types and processes occurring in geosphere. In addition main properties and functions of soil, formation of different soil types across the world and changes of climate in the past, current and the future, proxies of climate change are included.
This module investigates hazardous aspects of Earth¿s natural environment and how society relates to them. Introductory principles include the definition of natural hazard, disaster, risk and loss, and approaches to reducing risk and managing disasters. Major types of natural hazard are studied in order to understand how they operate, where, and how frequently they are likely to occur. Hazardous consequences are explored, as well as how society can respond to hazardous events. Key aspects include discussion of primary and secondary hazards, prediction, forecasting and monitoring of hazards, and understanding how their harmful effects can be minimised. Natural hazards considered during this module include volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, landslides, extreme weather events, flooding, avalanches and Mega Hazards. Lectures consider general principles as well as case studies. Practical classes reinforce concepts learned in lectures. The practical aspect of the work will culminate in a disaster management simulation day.
This module investigates hazardous aspects of Earth¿s natural environment and how society relates to them. Introductory principles include the definition of natural hazard, disaster, risk and loss, and approaches to reducing risk and managing disasters. Major types of natural hazard are studied in order to understand how they operate, where, and how frequently they are likely to occur. Hazardous consequences are explored, as well as how society can respond to hazardous events. Key aspects include discussion of primary and secondary hazards, prediction, forecasting and monitoring of hazards, and understanding how their harmful effects can be minimised. Natural hazards considered during this module include volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, landslides, extreme weather events, flooding, avalanches and Mega Hazards. Lectures consider general principles as well as case studies. Practical classes reinforce concepts learned in lectures. The practical aspect of the work will culminate in a disaster management simulation day.
The module builds upon student knowledge covers research project design, data collection and data analysis. Students are introduced to a range of laboratory and field techniques in physical geography along with statistical analyses and presentation skills. They gain experience in describing and interpreting results derived from laboratory techniques concerned with reconstructing the depositional history of sediments, chemical analysis of sediments from a variety of sources and the simulation of geomorphological processes. Students are also introduced to dissertation research. The module culminates in a poster presentation (including short oral introduction to poster) on one of the projects they have undertaken.
This module provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their competence as a Geographer by undertaking a critical analysis of a wide variety of literature-based sources in order to develop a cogent, substantial, and persuasive argument. While the Dissertation in Geography normally focuses on the design and execution of an evidenced-based research project that assesses the capacity of students to undertake effective data analysis and interpretation, the purpose of this module is to assess the extent to which students are capable of engaging with the academic literature at the frontier of a particular part of Geography. Students select from a wide range of research frontiers in Human and Physical Geography that have been identified by the academic staff within the Department. Given that this module emphasizes student-centred learning, none of the frontiers will have been covered in other modules, although in many cases modules will have taken students up to some of these frontiers. However, to orientate students and provide them with suitable points of departure and way-stations, there will be a brief introduction to each frontier and a short list of pivotal references disseminated via Blackboard. (Note: The topic selected by you must not overlap with the subject of your Dissertation. If there is any doubt about potential overlap, this must be discussed with your Dissertation Support Group supervisor and agreed in writing.)
This module will provide you with the scientific basis to understand the physical behaviour of glacier ice at spatial scales ranging from individual ice crystals to continental-scale glaciation. The module core topics will include glacier mass balance, transformation of snow to ice, glacier hydrology, dynamics, ice crystal structure and deformation, glacier sliding, deformation of glacial sediments, glacier flow instabilities and glacier surging. We will then introduce example topics of current research interest. You will have the opportunity to work in a small group on a guided research project. The module is assessed through an individual paper critique and ¿take-home¿ examination, as well as group presentation of your research project results at a poster-based mini-conference, and as a report. The research project work will normally be assigned a group mark, however, individual student¿s marks may be moderated based on self and peer assessment.
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to meteorology, weather, and atmospheric science. The course covers both applied meteorology and the underlying physical concepts. An excellent mathematical qualification (GCSE level) and physical background is a pre-requisite for a student attending this module. The module focuses on short timescales ranging from daily to seasonal. Meteorology is introduced as the study of weather and related phenomena. Methods of measuring the atmosphere and the interpretation of these measurements are fundamental to the subject, as are classifications and qualitative descriptions of atmospheric phenomena. The fundamental physics of the atmosphere (motion, moisture and radiation) are discussed. The central part of the module focuses on weather systems, both in the tropics and the mid-latitudes. Finally, the module covers small-scale phenomena (e.g. tornadoes), and boundary-layer processes. Weather forecasting is a theme which runs through the module, as much of the research in meteorology has been motivated by the desire to predict the weather. The relationship between measurements, models and forecasts is explored.
