A student at the University of Northern British Columbia has been recognized by the Geological Society of America (GSA) for his research examining the relationship between glaciers and sediment yield. 

Theo Mlynowski, a Geography graduate student in the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Program, received a $2500 grant from GSA for his proposed MSc research. His proposal was distinguished by GSA as being one of the top 20 proposals submitted to the Society by 633 graduate students. Mlynowski also received an award of $1,000 from the GSA's Sedimentary Geology Division as their outstanding student of 2011. In October, he will attend a meeting of the Society in Minneapolis to receive the award.

Mlynowski's research investigates the quantity and timing of sediment delivery to Peyto Lake which is fed by Peyto Glacier in Banff National Park. Each year, the glacier produces sediment which is then deposited in the lake as layers of silt and clay that are visually similar to tree rings.

A study of these deposits and past fluctuations of the glacier will allow Mlynowski to better understand glacier erosion and how it relates to climate change.

"My project is really a stepping stone towards a better understanding of the relation between glacier fluctuations and sediment production," says Mlynowski, who hails from Smithers.

Mlynowski's MSc supervisor is UNBC professor Brian Menounos who studies glaciated watersheds in western North America and Patagonia and how they respond to climate.

Mlynowski plans to pursue a career as an environmental consultant after graduation in 2012.

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