Welcome to BPRC!

The Byrd Polar Research Center (BPRC) is a world-class research facility based at The Ohio State University. Our scientists conduct research and expeditions, teach courses, and inform the public on topics related to the polar and alpine locations of the world. These topics include polar meteorology, remote sensing with satellites, and global climate change- which includes glacial melt and sea level change.

Byrd Polar Research Center photo roll

Where in the world...?
This summer, Dr. Lonnie Thompson and his team revisited the Qori Kalis Glacier in Peru. The glacier is part of the Quelccaya Ice Cap located along the Cordillera Oriental (Eastern Range) of the Andes Mountains. The average altitude for the ice cap is 18,500 feet and spans over 17 square miles, making it the largest glaciated area in a tropic region.

Dr. Bryan Mark's team was also in Peru at the same time. They investigated changes in volume of the glaciers along the Cordillera Blanca (White Range). To do this, they used aerial remote sensing and the related ground measurements. Sarah Fortner assisted with stream studies. She is a geochemist and earned her Ph.d in Earth Sciences this fall. Follow their Peruvian adventure!