Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab (GFD lab)

The lab focuses on the physics and fluid dynamics of geophysical systems such as ice sheets and the oceans, and the interactions between them. Particularly, we use mathematical modelling, numerical simulations and scaled laboratory experiments to explore the dynamics and stability of these systems, which involve complex physical processes that turn them nonlinear, far from equilibrium, and consequently challenging to decipher and predict.

Among the topics we study are the‎ imp‎act of friction on the flow of nonlinear and non-Newtonian fluids. This has implication to the understanding of lubricated ice flow and fracture, and consequently, formation of ice streams and ice shelves, grounding line dynamics, and ice rifts and calving. These phenomena have a significant role on the stability of ice sheets, and understanding them could improve predictability of future climate and sea-level rise.

The lab consists of instruments to measure various physical properties of non-Newtonian fluids, as well as a range of cameras, light sources and optical components to accurately image various properties of fluid flow, such as evolving fluid interfaces and patterns, spatiotemporal evolution of the thickness and velocity fields of fluid layers. Experimental apparatus are developed and built by the lab students and engineers.