Mass balance training course

9 June 2011

The Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Education and Science of Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with UNESCO Almaty Cluster Office and UNDP “Central Asian Multi-Country Programme on Climate Risk Management” announces “Glaciers’ mass balance monitoring” training course to be held on July 31 - August 8, 2011 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Researches on glacier mass balance and their response to climate change is one of the main components of complex research programme for nature reaction assessment to the environmental changes.

The course aims to train young specialists from the Central Asian region in methods of glaciological monitoring for determining the parameters of glaciers mass balance. This training will promote the development of network on glaciers mass balance monitoring and support the cooperation of research institutions and scientists of Eurasian countries which is one of the strategic objectives of the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre Category 2, established in Kazakhstan under the auspices of UNESCO.

The training program will consist of three days of theoretical studies and three days of practical training.

Training venue: the Institute of Geography, MES Kazakhstan, Almaty and the glaciological station of Tuyuksu Glacier.

Requirements for training participants
  • Age – up to 40 years old
  • Experience in research work on glaciology and mountainous hydrology
  • Experience with satellite imagery with usage of modern GIS-technologies (software-based Arc-gis, Erdas and other similar programs)
  • No medical contra-indication to work at high altitudes
    • Interested researchers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russia, that are meeting the above requirements, have to submit to the Project Manager, Dr. Igor Seversky with copy to Ms. Yelena Yerzakovich by June 25, 2011 the package of documents which have to include the following:
  • Brief summary on work experience and academic achievements (CV), as well as complete contact information;
  • Letter of interest;
  • Medical certificate / certificate for working at highlands (altitudes up to 4000m).
    • Participants selected for the training in subject will be notified by the organizers by July 5, 2011. Organizers will cover the travel cost, accommodation and meals of selected participants.

    Permanent link: http://en.unesco.kz/mass-balance-training-course