Check Your Work: Why Models and Remote-Sensing Measurements Still Need Boots on the Ground

Dr. Robert L. Hawley

Cheheyl Professor and Director, Dartmouth Center for the Advancement of Learning

Dartmouth College

Monday October 5, 2026, 2 PM ET

Abstract:

Large scale numerical models, informed by large remotely-sensed datasets, are at the forefront of predictive capability on the ice sheets and sea-level rise. Yet models depend on an understanding of the underlying physics, which in turn relies on effective observations. Remotely-sensed datasets cover vast swaths of the rarely-visited ice-sheet interior, yet require calibration and validation.

Drawing from 30 years of making challenging measurements on polar ice sheets, I illustrate some of the ways field measurements dovetail with both model results and remotely-sensed datasets. In varying degrees informing, validating, or advocating for caution, but in all cases illustrating the value of in-situ measurements for validating what we observe from space or model numerically.

Biosketch:

Bob Hawley started working as a glaciologist in 1995, as an undergraduate at the University of Washington, through the National Science Foundation ‘Research Experience for Undergraduates’ (REU) Program. Following the completion of his BS degree he continued in glaciological research by participating in the inaugural winter-over at Summit camp, Greenland, during the 1997-1998 boreal winter. He earned a PhD in geophysics from the University of Washington in 2005. Following his PhD, he spent three years in Cambridge, England, as a post-doc at the Scott Polar Research Institute, studying radar altimetry. Since 2008 he has taught, mentored, and researched at Dartmouth College. During 2024-2025 he served the National Science Foundation as a rotating Program Director in Arctic System Science. Since July 2026 he has served as the Director of the Dartmouth Center for the Advancement of Learning. His research interests include: the physics of firn densification, mass balance of large ice sheets, interpretation of ice core records, and remote sensing. He has worked primarily in East and West Antarctica and Greenland.

Zoom Information

Event site: https://go.umd.edu/hawley

Zoom Webinar: https://go.umd.edu/essicseminarwebinars

Zoom Meeting ID: 971 2692 9944
Zoom password: essic

US Toll: 13017158592
Global call-in numbers: https://umd.zoom.us/u/aMElEpvNu

Resources:

Seminar schedule & archive: https://go.umd.edu/essicseminar

Seminar Google calendar: https://go.umd.edu/essicseminarcalendar

Seminar recordings on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ESSICUMD

For IT assistance: Cazzy Medley: cazzy@umd.edu