Ruth Hollinger is going to be researching cryoconite holes. These holes in the ice are formed when sediment on the surface of a glacier absorbs solar radiation from the sun. This causes the ice underneath to warm and melt, forming a hole that can vary in size and depth. It’s possible that cryoconite holes play a major role in glacial melting. They are common to many glaciers worldwide, but in Antarctica, ice lids often form, trapping sediment and isolating the water, producing unusual water chemistries that are quite different from the surrounding ice. Ruth’s research will map their distribution and investigate their characteristics. Ruth is working on this project with the help of Dr Andrew Hodson at Sheffield University Department of Geography. Why not check out Ruth’s website to find out a little bit more about the work she will be doing.
