Interview: "The missing ice sheet in Siberia could explain discrepancies in sea level changes during the Last Glacial Maximum"

In this interview, iC3 postdoc Benjamin Boyes discusses his research on reconstructing past ice sheets using remote sensing techniques, while also sharing his experiences of playing the bagpipes and scouting.

Can you describe yourself and the focus of your research?

My name is Ben Boyes, I am an MSCA postdoc at the iC3 Polar Research Hub in Tromsø. I work on reconstructing past ice sheets using landforms in landscapes. By mapping these features and analysing satellite data, I aim to understand where past ice sheets were and when. My research spans various regions, including Russia, the UK, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Greenland, focusing on different styles of ice masses, from smaller mountain glaciers to large ice sheets.

Credit: Catherine Troman.

Which ice sheet are you focusing on now?

Currently, my MSCA postdoc project, SIBERICE, focuses on the glacial history of Siberia, investigating a "missing ice sheet" that could explain discrepancies in sea level changes during the Last Glacial Maximum. Sea levels back then were 134 meters lower than today, but 16 meters remain unaccounted for. Some models suggest this missing ice sheet could have been in Siberia. My work involves remote sensing, using satellite imagery and digital elevation models to map landforms and search for evidence.

Is that missing sheet land-based or marine-based?

It’s land-based, though there’s some debate. Some evidence suggests a marine ice sheet in Eastern Siberia, but my focus is primarily on land-based features.

How are you conducting this research?

It’s entirely computer-based, using satellite imagery and digital elevation models to map landforms. Remote sensing allows us to study inaccessible regions like Siberia.

How is your work related to iC3?

This research aligns with iC3’s mission to understand ice sheets' behavior and their response to climate change. A key question in Siberia is whether certain landforms are permafrost features or glacial in origin, which could reshape our understanding of permafrost and carbon dynamics in the region.

Can you give an example of what you’ve been working on recently?

Recently, I’ve been compiling a database of known Siberian landforms. Communication challenges with Russian scientists have led to gaps in our understanding, so I’m working to consolidate existing knowledge and identify areas needing further research.

How does your current work differ from your PhD research?

My PhD at the University of Brighton focused on reconstructing the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet in Northwest Russia. Using ArcticDEM data, I mapped nearly a quarter of a million landforms to improve our understanding of this complex region. My methods remain similar in my current work, though the study area has shifted to Siberia.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your research?

One of the biggest challenges is communication, particularly with Russian scientists. Political and language barriers hinder collaboration, and valuable insights from Soviet-era research are often overlooked. Overcoming this requires patience and a focus on consolidating existing data and palaeo-glaciological theory.

What technologies or methodologies are you most excited about in your field?

I’m excited about advancements in remote sensing and high-resolution mapping, which allow us to study inaccessible regions like Siberia. These tools are revolutionizing our ability to study glacial landforms.

If you had an unlimited budget, how would you allocate it?

I’d invest in high-resolution satellite data for Siberia to improve mapping efforts. While some datasets like ArcticDEM are freely available, they don’t cover all regions, and acquiring comprehensive data is costly.

Have you always aspired to have a career in science?

Not always. Growing up, I wasn’t encouraged to pursue science and was expected to take a more vocational path. But I followed my school interest in geography and glaciology to university, where I discovered my passion for these subjects, which in turn led me to pursue a PhD and a career in science.

How do you see the future of science in your field?

I believe the focus of glaciology should shift to underexplored areas like Siberia, as we’ve already made substantial progress in regions like Europe and North America. Siberia holds significant uncertainty, and addressing it could advance our understanding of past ice sheets.

Do you miss something from your country?

Yes, I miss pubs. I grew up in pubs (my parents own one), and so a pub feels like home. It’s a place where I can relax and chat with people. There are bars in Tromsø, but I haven’t found one that feels like a ‘local’ British pub yet.

Credit: Catherine Troman.

You’ve been in the Scouts for over 20 years and were a Scout leader. Can you tell us more about that?

Scouting has definitely shaped who I am today. It taught me various skills, community spirit, and resilience. It also fostered my love for the outdoors. I even learned to play the bagpipes in a Scout band, which was a great experience. I’ve had the chance to perform at major events and fantastic locations, including Edinburgh castle.

Do you have a motto?

Yes, I was once told by Sir Chay Blyth, “you’ve got what you’ve got.” I think it’s a good reminder to make the best of what you have and work with it.

Benjamin Boyes is a MSCA postdoc working at the iC3 Polar Research Hub in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. To find out more about her work, please check out his list of publications, or contact him by email.

If you’re interested in joining iC3 as a postdoc, get in touch—we provide strong support to candidates to help them write winning MSCA proposals. Find out more here.