Interview: "I use remote sensing and luminescence dating to predict when Lyngen Alps glaciers will disappear due to climate change"

In this interview, iC3 master’s student Ida Mejnertz discusses her work on glacial geomorphology in Norway's Lyngen Alps, focusing on mapping past glacier movements. She also explains the environmental significance of her work.

Can you briefly describe yourself and the focus of your research?

My name is Ida Mejnertz, I am a master’s student at the Department of Geosciences at the UiT Arctic University of Norway.

My master’s thesis, within iC3, focuses on geomorphological mapping. I study glaciers, looking at how they’ve moved in the past and shaped the Earth’s surface. I’ll also be doing modeling to predict future changes.

My research is very local, focusing on the Lyngen area. Additionally, one of my external supervisors is working on luminescence dating.

Credit: Ronja Pernille Malm

Why is your research important?

Glaciers play a crucial role in local ecosystems. In Lyngen, glaciers are relatively small and may disappear soon due to climate change. This has significant implications for hydropower, fjord systems, and the broader environment.

My research aims to predict when glaciers might disappear and how weather patterns and other factors influence their behavior. Understanding these changes is vital for local communities and environmental planning.

What is luminescence dating, and how does it relate to your research?

Luminescence dating determines the last time a rock was exposed to light. When rocks are buried and not exposed to light, a chemical reaction stops occurring. By analyzing this in a lab, we can estimate when the rock was last exposed.

For my research, I collected samples from moraines, carefully keeping them under a tarp to avoid light exposure. These samples were sent to a lab for analysis.

If successful, this method will provide dates for when the rocks were buried, helping us better understand glacial movements and refine our models.

How are you conducting your mapping and modeling?

I started by analyzing LiDAR imagery, which shows the terrain in detail, highlighting features like moraines, lakes, and meltwater channels.

Based on this, I went into the field to verify my findings, taking photos and exploring the terrain. This combination of remote sensing and fieldwork ensures accurate mapping.

Right now, I’m working with QGIS to map these features. The modeling phase will come later, where I’ll incorporate data from different years to understand how glaciers have moved over time and predict future changes.

What inspired you to study geology?

Before geology, I studied Earth and Space Engineering but realized I needed more hands-on, outdoor work. Geology allowed me to combine fieldwork with academic study.

My exchange to Tasmania was a turning point—it introduced me to Antarctic science and sparked my interest in glaciology.

After returning to Denmark, I realized I needed a more dynamic environment, which led me to Tromsø. The mountains and outdoor opportunities here align perfectly with my interests.

Credit: Hanna Schwinck

Have you done any other fieldwork or courses related to your research?

Yes, I participated in a glaciology course in Svalbard, where we did fieldwork and studied glaciers. I’ve also taken a course in Greenland last spring.

These experiences have deepened my understanding of polar science and its global significance. They’ve also reinforced my interest in continuing research in this field.

What challenges are you facing during your master’s degree?

The biggest challenges have been technical, like managing large files in QGIS and dealing with limited computer storage for my master’s thesis. Another challenge is the mandatory courses that don’t align with my interests, like studying mafic rocks.

However, I’ve learned to focus on the aspects of my research that excite me, like fieldwork and mapping.

What are you most excited about in your research?

I’m excited about combining field observations with technology, like maps and modeling, to draw meaningful conclusions. I also look forward to completing my first finished map and seeing the results of the luminescence dating. These milestones will be incredibly satisfying.

Would you like to continue in research after your master’s degree?

I’d love to stay in research if I can secure funding. Ideally, I’d like to expand my current work to a larger area in Lyngen or beyond, making a broader impact.

Personally, I’m also planning to buy a van to explore more of Norway and Europe, combining my love for science and the outdoors.

What has been a memorable moment in your academic journey?

My exchange to Tasmania was the memorable moment. Before that, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my studies. The experience introduced me to Antarctic science and opened my eyes to the importance of polar research.

It inspired me to pursue glaciology and eventually move to Tromsø, where I’ve found the perfect environment for my interests.

Ida Mejnertz is an iC3 Masters’s student at the UiT Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø. To find out more about her work, contact her via LinkedIn. 

If you are interested in conducting your Master's thesis project at iC3, please take a look at the potential projects listed here. If you cannot find anything suitable, please contact iC3manager@uit.no.