The project involves the description and analysis of landforms and sediments in glaciated valleys in the Huaraz region of the Cordillera Blanca in Peru. Initial field work took place over a three week period in May-June 2017. This work involves myself, one PhD student and two undergraduates and is being conducted in collaboration with scientists at INAIGEM.
Impact
The project will enhance understanding of the physical environment surrounding the city of Huaraz in Peru. As glaciers recede in the valleys that supply water to Huaraz, unstable accumulations of glacial sediment impound glacial lakes that are prone to catastrophic failure. Our work will focus on reconstructing the glacial history of the valleys and will help evaluate the threat of failure of the unstable sediments.
Student Experience
The project in Peru was initiated by one of my graduate students (Rodrigo Narro Perez – NSERC support) and will form the basis of his PhD research. Two undergraduate students (Chimira Andres and David Bowman) were also involved this summer and they studied various aspects of the glaciated valleys close to Huaraz. This work will form part of their undergraduate thesis research. Both undergraduate students are supported by NSERC USRAs. The field experience in Peru gaveall of us first hand experience of Peruvian – specifically Andean – culture and the physical hazards of living in such a mountainous environment. All three students are now colaborating very productively with members of INAIGEM in Huarez in the preparation of reports and manuscripts.
Countries
Peru
Impact
Research, Education
Institutional Partner(s)
National Institute for Research in Glaciers and Mountain Ecosystems (INAIGEM)
Community Partner(s)
Industry Partner(s)
Key Outcomes
Publications
Sponsorship
Private
Sponsorship Details
This initial work was funded by the McMaster University Office of International Affairs’ International Initiatives Micro Fund.
