Molnia to Present Leica Geosystems Distinguished Lecture "Warm Ice," for Geosciences Colloquium Series

Bruce Molnia, Emeritus Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), will present a Keynote for the Leica Geosystems Lecture Series on Friday, Feb. 7, at 3 p.m. in Gearhart Hall 026. This event is co-hosted by the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies, through an endowment with Leica Geosystems, and the Department of Geosciences, as part of the University of Arkansas Geosciences Colloquium Series. 

Molnia, with nearly 50 years of experience in remote sensing and geophysical research, has played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of glaciers, climate change, and polar systems. He has held key leadership positions at USGS and elsewhere, including Chief of the International Polar Programs, Deputy Chief of EROS for Data Production and Distribution, and Executive Director of the Civilian Applications Committee.

He is also the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honors, including the Department of the Interior's Meritorious Service Award, the USGS Eugene A. Shoemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Scientific Communications, the Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Medal and the U. S. Antarctic Service Medal, and the Geological Society of America's Public Service and Distinguished Service Awards.. His work has influenced both scientific research and public policy, including serving as a senior advisor to the U.S. government on a range of environmental issues.  

Molnia is best known for his research on the response of Alaskan glaciers to climate change. Using a combination of remote sensing data, historical imagery, and field observations, he has documented glacial retreat and its implications for sea level rise and coastal ecosystems. As a part of this effort, and throughout the span of three decades, Molnia has developed an impressive library of repeat photography images at more than 235 locations, connecting his images to historical photos spanning back into the 1800's. His work has become instrumental in understanding how glaciers in the Pacific Northwest are responding to warming trends and the associated shifts in landscape morphology. 

In his upcoming lecture, "Warm Ice: Eastern Gulf of Alaska Glacier-Fiord-Ocean Interactions Seven Vignettes," Molnia will examine the dynamic geological and glacial processes occurring along one of the most active coastlines on Earth. He will present research on the tectonic forces, isostatic uplift, and glacial retreat that continue to shape this region. The lecture will explore how processes like rapid glacier retreat and crustal warping are leading to the formation of new bays and shifting the landscape at unprecedented rates. Molnia will highlight seven key regions, including Glacier Bay, Yakutat Bay, and Malaspina Glacier, using remote sensing data, geophysical observations, and field-based research to demonstrate how these processes are interrelated and contribute to regional hazards. 

Throughout his career, Molnia has lead expeditions around the globe, traveling to locations such as Alaska, Hawaii, Antarctica, and Indonesia, where he has contributed extensively to the study of glacial dynamics and their response to climate change. Over his career, he has authored or co-authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications and published both print and video media serving the education and public policy of climate and environmental science. Bruce's lasting contributions to glacial and climate research are symbolized by his namesake, Molnia Bluff in Antarctica, a testament to the enduring impact of his work on the scientific community and the natural world.  

The Leica Geosystems Distinguished Lecture is free and open to the public. 

About the Leica Geosystems Lecture Series: The Leica Geosystems Lecture Series is supported by the Leica Geosystems-endowed fund established in 2005. Their gift-in-kind created the Leica Geosystems Chair in Geospatial Imaging at the Center for advanced Spatial Technologies, providing advanced photogrammetric and remote-sensing software, maintenance, support, and services to the Center. This endowment also serves to build an academic discipline in geospatial modeling and expand resources for analyzing, storing, and communicating geospatial research data.