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John Christian

Assistant Professor
Geography
Phone: 541-346-4543
Office: 173 Condon Hall, 1251 University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403
Office Hours: M 2-3, W 2-3, or by appointment
Research Interests: glacier and ice-sheet dynamics, climate, earth-system models

Research Interests

My research focuses on the dynamics of glaciers and ice sheets and their relationships to climate. I study a range of settings, from small mountain glaciers in the Pacific Northwest to the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. I primarily use theoretical and computational models of ice flow, as well as data-oriented methods. My research targets the physical processes underlying glacier dynamics, often with the goal of understanding particular aspects of glacier change in the context of a warming climate. For example, a major current focus is disentangling the dynamic response of glaciers to human-driven climate change versus natural climate variability.  

Please see my personal website for more information on my research and current opportunities for students or postdocs. Those interested in joining my research group or otherwise collaborating are encouraged to email me to discuss further. 

 

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Teaching

Upcoming courses (Spring 2026)

GEOG 361: Global Environmental Change

  • Natural and human-induced changes in the Earth System and their impact on different environmental systems

GEOG 421/521: Advanced Climatology Topics: Climate and Ice 

  • Description: The cryosphere (snow, sea ice, glaciers and ice sheets) has played a key role in the long story of Earth’s climate and landscapes. Today, changes in the cryosphere also impact society on local and global scales. This topics course will introduce the cryosphere and its role within the climate system, including current data and observations of the changing cryosphere. After introducing the climatology and geography of ice (where is it found and why?), and some key elements of ice dynamics (how does it form, flow, fracture, and melt?),  we will focus in particular on how different parts of the cryosphere respond to climate variability and change. For example:
    • Why are some glaciers more sensitive than others to climate changes? What has allowed glaciers to expand in the past?
    • How do changes in ice cover affect polar (and global) climate?
    • Are polar ice sheets vulnerable to collapse in the future?

 

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