List of glaciologists


Glaciology first emerged as a science in the Swiss Alps, where most of the first glaciologist lived. Since then glaciologist of several countries, particularly from the First World, have made notable contributions to the discipline. Many glaciologists have background studies in geology, physics and climatology.
NameBirthDeathContributions
Louis Agassiz18071873First to scientifically propose the existence of past ice ages
Jens Esmark17631839Extension of past glaciations
Jón Eyþórsson18981968Long-term observation and measurement of glacier margins in Iceland
James David Forbes18091868Concluded that glaciers were viscous bodies
Louis Lliboutry19222007Formation of penitentes, surveyed Andean glaciers
Mark Meier2012Expert on sea level rise due to melting glaciers; Director of the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research from 1985 to 1994.
Louis Rendu17891859Theorized on glacier motion
Valter Schytt19191985Studied Storglaciären in northern Sweden
Wilhelm Sievers18601921Documented South American ice ages
Sigurður Þórarinsson19121983
John Tyndall18201893Studied glacier motion
Ignaz Venetz17881859Suggested the existence of past ice ages