Event

Allgemein Event

Summer expedition to Aletsch Glacier 2025

A trip to the glacier is an opportunity to bring the algorithms to life. From the 4th to the 19th of July 2025, Danielle Gunders-Hunt (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, M3OCCA) and Valentin Marx (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, M3OCCA affiliated) were situated at the Jungfraujoch research station in Switzerland to collect radar measurements using custom-built radar systems.

This summer’s fieldwork took us to the Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland. We drove to Grindelwald on Thursday and met up with colleagues from RWTH Aachen and the University of Wuppertal, affiliated with the TRIPLE project. After an impressive gondola ride and train journey through the mountain, we arrived at the research station located at 3,454 m a.s.l.

Our brave mountain guide jumping into a crevasse, expecting us to save him.

The research station is home only to researchers and is managed by a couple who oversee the High Altitude Research Stations Jungfraujoch & Gornergrat. They showcased the fascinating equipment held permanently on the glacier, ranging from instruments measuring air constituents for climate change monitoring, to medical and biological experiments observing the influence of high altitude on organisms.

The next day we began with a guided tour led by a mountain guide to learn the basic rescue techniques and familiarize ourselves with the glacier terrain. Unstable weather in the first few days caused some delays, but we soon began carrying out our full set of measurements with the GPR sled.

Our goal was to evaluate our equipment in various walking formations to assess the efficiency of each imaging method. Different formations can leverage different algorithms to generate 2D or 3D images of the snow and firn layers, as well as crevasses hidden beneath the surface.

Both radar systems used during the campaign were developed in-house at the Institute of Microwaves and Photonics (LHFT), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg. The first system was an impulse radar operating at a center frequency of 1.35 GHz. Impulse radar transmits short, broadband pulses and listens for echoes reflected from internal glacier boundaries—such as transitions between snow, firn, ice—or from embedded features like crevasses, air pockets or water inclusions. We then replaced the radar system with a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar, ramping between 0.7 and 4.7 GHz. Unlike impulse radar, FMCW continuously emits a frequency-modulated signal and compares the transmitted and received waves to measure the time delay and amplitude of returning echoes. This method offers improved sensitivity and resolution, especially for fine structures near the surface.

Tracks we were walking to test out various reconstruction algorithms.
The sled being dragged in a measurement scenario.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are now looking forward to analyzing how each type of radar—together with its frequency and signal power—affects both the penetration depth and the resolution of subsurface glacial features.

The fieldwork was a rewarding collaborative experience. Working alongside the TRIPLE team, who were testing a hybrid radar and sonar based forefield reconnaissance system integrated into a melting probe, reaching 12 m beneath the surface, gave us valuable insights into subsurface structures which we hope to cross-validate with our radar results.

Valentin improvising resourceful ways of preparing Spätzle.

Beyond the scientific goals, sharing meals, challenges, and ideas made the high-altitude days both productive and memorable. Each evening, breathtaking sunsets from the Sphinx Observatory (3,570 m a.s.l.) reminded us how extraordinary our setting truly was—it felt like we were on top of the world!

This campaign wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Valentin Marx, Lukas Rechenberg, and Niklas Haberberger, as well as the remaining colleagues from the TRIPLE-FRS-2 project.

The M3OCCA project is generously funded by the Elitenetzwerk Bayern.

Incredible sunsets from the Sphinx observatory.

 

Allgemein Event Outreach

IDP M3OCCA second phase is approved

The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Arts has approved a second phase of the International Doctorate Program “Measuring and Modelling Mountain Glaciers and Ice caps in a Changing Climate” (IDP M³OCCA) as part of the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB). In the second phase, we will continue the close collaboration between FAU, the Technical University of Munich, the Microwave Institute of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen, and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences (BAdW).

The aim of the IDP is to develop innovative methods and technologies to quantify global glacier retreat more accurately over large areas and reduce existing uncertainties. Artificial intelligence techniques are used, for example, to analyze large-scale satellite data or to improve physics-based process models. In addition, the researchers are further developing pioneering technologies such as radar tomography and geophysical models to enable improved forecasts.

Starting in June 2026, nine doctoral students will be funded for four years by the ENB. In addition, the new funding includes a postdoctoral position to help graduates of the current funding phase transition into independent scientific work. M³OCCA is characterized by a high degree of internationality and interdisciplinarity and trains its young scientists in a structured support program in addition to their professional qualifications. In addition to the doctoral students funded by the ENB, doctoral students from other funding programs—such as various junior research groups—are explicitly allowed and encouraged to participate in the IDP in order to create a broader scientific and thematic basis and facilitate lively exchange.

Allgemein Event

Winter expedition to Aletsch Glacier 2025

A much-awaited winter 2025 Aletsch expedition was carried out to attain repeat glaciological and geophysical measurements at locations similar to the winter 2024 Aletsch campaign. An expedition aimed to detect changes in firn stratigraphy and firn density over two consecutive years under the influence of regional climatic changes. This was achieved by using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) profiling across the two main accumulation zones of the Aletsch glacier. The GPR-based common mid-point (CMP) method was used to gather indirect firn density measurements. This was complemented by the deep firn core (nearly 20 m) at the upper part of the Ewigschneefeld, a shorter firn core (approximately 8 m) at the lower part of the Ewigschneefeld, and two snow pits at Jungfraufirn and the Ewigschneefeld.

This expedition is part of the M3OCCA international doctoral program (IDP) project SP2.3. The campaign was a collaborative effort of Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Bern, Switzerland, BAdW, Munich, and FAU Erlangen, Germany.

We appreciate the efforts of the firn core team, Dr. Theo Jenk, Michelle Worek (PhD), and Samuel Marending from Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, PSI Bern, Switzerland, Dr. Christoph Mayer, Dr. Astrid Lambercht, and Akash Patil (PhD) from Department of Geodesy and Glaciology BAdW Munich, Germany, and Dr. Thorsten Seehaus and Dr. Alexander Groos from Institute of Geography FAU Erlangen, Germany.

Event

Winter Fieldwork Hintereisferner 2025

During regular office days, a glacier often feels very far away. Fieldwork is always exciting because it provides a clearer understanding of what we are actually researching. From April 1st until April 4th 2025, Céline Walker (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, M3OCCA-affiliated), Felix Pfluger (Technische Universität München (TUM), M3OCCA) and Léa Rodari (Université Lausanne (UNIL)) were in the field to acquire GPR data on Hintereisferner, Austria, for the M3OCCA-affiliated DeLIGHT Junior research project.

For this spring’s fieldwork, we went to the Hintereisferner in the Austrian Alps. We drove to Rofental on Tuesday and met up with colleagues from the Universität Innsbruck (UIBK). Together, we went to the small research station situated at 3,050 m a.s.l., which offers an excellent view of the impressive glacier. The hut was our home for the next three days and is equipped with a small gas stove, a table, eight beds, plenty of gumboots, a guitar, and an old portable gramophone.

Upon arrival at the hut, we settled in, reviewed our crevasse rescue techniques, and made the final preparations to go onto the glacier. Over the following two days, our goal was to investigate the glacier and its englacial water regime. We used a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) antenna provided by Felix’s working group at TUM. The GPR antenna sends out radar pulses and receives echoes from layers where the density changes. This makes GPR an ideal tool for detecting the bedrock beneath the ice, as well as objects or water within the ice.

After testing the antenna, we began our measurements on the lower part of the glacier. We skied across the glacier in a zigzag pattern while dragging the antenna behind us to obtain radar profiles perpendicular to the flow direction. We used a 50 MHz center frequency for sufficient penetration depth in the ice and 100 MHz for high resolution of small features.

We were lucky with the weather on the second day and got some sunshine, which made the scenery magnificent. We could complete our measurements and ended up with a dense measurement grid of the lower part of the glacier. After finishing the data acquisition, we were able to relax and enjoy the cozy hut and its view on our third evening.

On Friday, we returned to civilization, bringing with us a new dataset. With the collected data, we now have a record of the englacial water content in spring. Later this year—during the melt season—the measurements will be repeated, and the water content and discharge regime will be compared to the spring data. We are already looking forward to the next fieldwork.

This fieldwork wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Léa and Felix for the data acquisition and the provision of the GPR antennas. Big thanks go to Rainer Prinz for the coordination of the fieldwork and Marie Schroeder and Leo Schlagbauer from UIBK for the accompaniment and hosting in the hut. Those contributions are appreciated.

This project is funded by the Elitenetzwerk Bayern.

The research station situated on 3026 m a.s.l. above Hintereisferner was established by the UIBK in the 70s.

After the successful data acquisition, Felix, Léa and Céline enjoyed the sun outside the hut.

The reseach station was equipped with a portable gramophone and a variety of old vinyls worth listening into.

The view on the glacier from the research station.

Felix is carrying the GPR antenna over the glacier.

Snow was constantly cooked on the stove in the hut to get drinking water.

Léa and Céline are dragging the antenna over the uneven glacier tongue.

Event Outreach

Our doctoral candidates present their research in short videos

Our doctoral candidates participated in an activity to make their research better accessible to the broad public. Many of them therefore created short videos where they briefly present themselves and their work. Check it out here:

(the webcam video shown in Manuels video is taken from www.foto-webcam.eu)

Event

Guest visit and invited talk by Doug Benn (19.11.2024)

This week, Professor Doug Benn from the University of St. Andrews visited our institute and gave a guest lecture as part of the weekly M3OCCA Research Seminar.

The topic of his lecture was “Icy Oscillators: Understanding glacier surges”

Glacier surges are important but often misunderstood glacier accelerations, which have been observed in many parts of the Arctic, High Mountain Asia, and a few other areas of the world. In this talk, Professor Benn will discuss the geographical distribution of surge-type glaciers and its relationships with climate and glacier geometry. He will go on to show how these patterns can be understood using enthalpy balance theory, a new unifying framework for modelling glacier dynamics. The talk will conclude with a discussion of unsolved problems and possible new directions for research.

During his visit, we had lively discussions on our various research topics and on potential future collaboration. A social gathering with some local cuisine in the evening rounded off his visit.

Thank you again for your wonderful lecture!

Event

Annual workshop of the doctoral program in the Altmühltal

This year’s annual workshop of the International Doctoral Program M3OCCA took place at ‘Krone Kinding’ located in the Altmühltal. The doctoral researchers presented the current status of their research projects and gave an outlook on upcoming activities. The M3OCCA-affiliated project ‘Deep-Learning-Informed Glacio-Hydrological Threat’ (DELIGHT), led by Dr. Samual Cook, was officially introduced and the new colleagues presented to all participants. An important point for discussion within the group of doctoral researchers and PIs was the prolongation proposal for the programme. One of the highlights was the guest lecture from Chad Greene (JPL/Caltech, USA) on ‘Remote Sensing of Glaciers and Ice Sheets’. Socializing activities included a hike through the Altmühltal including a stop at the geographical center of Bavaria and a quiz night on the second evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo copyright: Oskar Herrmann & Akash Patil

Allgemein Event

Workshop on ‘How to give a good talk’

We organized a one-day workshop on ‘How to give a good talk’.

The workshop covered various topics from Stage fright over Body Language to Humor in talks. The participants benefited a lot from the intensive feedback they received from their colleagues and the trainer.

Thank you again, Nae, for the great workshop!

Event

Fieldwork at Aletsch Glacier Part 2 (May 2024)

As a continuation of the expedition to the Aletsch Glacier in winter 2024, a group of researchers conducted a second expedition in May as part of the M3OCCA program. The group aimed to gather GPR CMP data at three different locations of the accumulation area of the Aletsch Glacier. Snow pits were dug near CMP locations to obtain a density-depth profile at the upper few meters of snow to get the density profile between the visits in March and May 2024. The GPR CMP method provides vital information regarding the Electromagnetic (EM) wave velocity-depth within the firn body of the glacier. The density of the firn body is a function of the EM wave velocity; the obtained density-depth profile aids in the detection and estimation of annual firn layers to study the firn densification rate. This information assists in estimating the mean glacier mass balance by considering the firn density rather than assuming a constant density value for the entire glacier.

This expedition was part of the M3OCCA doctoral program project 2.3 (Improved Glacier volume to mass conversion), and the efforts of Dr. Christoph Mayer and Dr. Astrid Lambrecht from BAdW Munich, Akash Patil (M3OCCA PhD at BAdW Munich), and Manuel Saigger (M3OCCA PhD at the Institute of Geography FAU Erlangen) are much appreciated.

Event

Fieldwork at Aletsch Glacier February/March 2024

At the end of February, a large field campaign with various measurement instruments from different research groups took place at the Aletsch Glacier. The group consisted of scientists and technicians from FAU Erlangen, different DLR institutes (HR, OS, DFD), Technical University Munich, Bavarian Academy of Sciences, the institute for snow and avalanche research (SLF), Ulm University and ETH Zürich. The campaign involved in-situ density and permittivity measurements, surface- and UAV-based ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements, airborne acquisitions for tomography and SAR applications, bistatic radar measurements with the KAPRI system, and first tests with an optical localization system. The observed test sites were distributed over the glacier, reaching from the Jungfraufirn to the Mönchsjochplateau and further to the Ewigschneefeld. The surface-based GPR platform (top picture) developed in subproject 1.1 by our PhD student Lena Krabbe was tested in rough environmental conditions for the application of subsurface imaging of glacier stratification.

Within subproject 2.3, GPR was used to collect data illustrating the spatial distribution of the firn body. GPR transects across different parts of the accumulation area of the Aletsch Glacier were obtained by our PhD student Akash Patil, along with direct measurements using glaciological methods like snow pits and firn cores at some locations near the GPR transects. Isotope samples were also taken from the snow pit and firn cores to determine possible annual layers and their corresponding depths. This helps in understanding the regional variability of density distribution and glacier-climate interaction on a regional scale to determine and validate density assumptions that aid in estimating the mean glacier mass balance.

Many thanks to Dr. Thorsten Seehaus and Dr. Alexander Gross from the Institute of Geography FAU Erlangen, Michael Stelzig from LHFT, FAU Erlangen, and M3OCCA PhDs Patricia Schlenk (DLR, Munich) and Felix Pfluger (TUM, Munich) for their assistance during this expedition.