Ginny Catania
Research Associate, UTIG
Assistant Professor, DGS
Ph.D., Geophysics, Univ. of Washington, 2004
M.S., Geology, Univ. of Minnesota, 1998
B.S., Geography, Univ. of Western Ontario, 1994
Phone: 512-471-0403
Offices: UTIG 2.116G; Schoch 3.112
email: gcatania @ ig.utexas.edu
Research Interests
My research involves understanding ice sheet and glacier changes both from natural variability and climate forced variability. This involves improving the observational data sets that quantify cyrosphere change but I am also very interested in an improved understanding of the dynamical processes that control ice flow. In particular, my research focuses on basal processes, the flow of water through and beneath ice and grounding line fluctuations.
The main research tools that I use are ice-penetrating radar to image internal layers in the ice and quantify the properties of the basal interface. Simple kinematic models aid in interpretation of internal layer stratigraphy. I also use other instrumentation (GPS, seismic instruments) to understand ice flow. I am particularly enthusiastic about using physical models to reproduce ice dynamical processes. All of these methods are improved through collaboration with ice-sheet modelers (a unique individual adept at simplifying complex problems!) and I attempt to verify each aspect of my work with models in some way.
Opportunites for Participation: I am always interested in increasing the diversity of viewpoints in the glaciology community. That requires a constant supply of 'new blood' who bring interesting ideas without preconceived bias. If you are interested in a challenging, quantitative education that spans math, physics, chemistry and climate change science contact me and read more here.