The main goal of this work is to assess if storms have increased in frequency over Antarctica. It is theorized that climate change will increase the intensity of the winds and frequency of the storms. With ICESat 2 satellite laser altimetry, we can count the number of storms and blowing snow events. ICESat 2 is a photon counting laser and generates terrabytes of data each day. Innovative data science techniques are needed to handle the data and analyze it. This project is, therefore, a suitable topic for a masters student that combines an important problem in Geophysics and climate science with a great Data Science application.

This is an UNPAID research project.

Faculty Advisor

  • Professor: Indrani Das
  • Department/School: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
  • Location: 108A, Oceanography, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
  • I use sateliite laser altimetry and airborne radar data over Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets. I study how ice mass and dynamics are changing in the recent decades due to climate change.

Project Timeline

  • Earliest starting date: 1/4/2021
  • End date: 5/31/2021
  • Number of hours per week of research expected during Fall 2020: ~24

Candidate requirements

  • Skill sets: Large data set handling, python skills must, mathematical and computer science skills.
  • Student eligibility: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, master’s
  • International students on F1 or J1 visa: eligible
  • Academic Credit Possible: No
  • Additional comments: Very good knowledge of Python and computational science