Dr Steven Palmer

Steve uses a variety of Remote Sensing approaches and emerging machine learning techniques to investigate Earth surface processes ranging from dust storms to coastal erosion. His main research focus has been quantifying glacier flow and form changes as they respond to climate forcing. Using airborne ice penetrating radar, Steve has also investigated conditions at the base of the Greenland ice sheet - better understanding of which is key to making more accurate projections of how the ice sheets are likely to change under continued global heating.

Qualifications: BSc, MSc, PhD, SFHEA, FRGS

Career: Steven studied Earth and Space Science at University College London, where his dissertation, based at Mullard Space Science Laboratory, used X-ray telescope observations to identify Active Galactic Nuclei. He then moved to Cranfield University and gained a MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering, after which he worked as Mission Systems Engineer in the Earth Observation group of EADS Astrium Ltd. Steven then worked briefly at the British Antarctic Survey before embarking on a PhD at the University of Edinburgh, where he used satellite radar measurements to investigate the flow dynamics of Arctic glaciers. Following this, he conducted fieldwork on the Larsen-C ice shelf in Antarctica as part of a project investigating Antarctic peninsula ice shelf instability. Steven then moved to the University of Leeds, where his work aimed to reduce uncertainties in the future contribution of the ice sheets to global sea level change. Before joining the University of Exeter as a lecturer in physical geography, Steven participated in a NERC-funded airborne geophysical survey of Greenland outlet glaciers, during which time he was based at the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge.