Christian Wild is an ice-scientist at Oregon State University, who is focusing on Antarctic ice shelves and their interaction with the ocean circulation. He is particularly interested in how atmospheric and oceanic processes are influencing the stability of the Thwaites, Dotson and Crosson Ice Shelves in the Amundsen Sea – neighboring ice shelves which are behaving differently.
Before relocating to the USA, Christian did a PhD at Gateway Antarctica, New Zealand, where he investigated the effect of ocean tides on Antarctic glaciers and how this interaction can be used to improve estimates of Antarctica’s contribution to sea-level rise. Christian studied at the Institute of Atmospheric and Cryospheric Sciences, Austria, where he developed a strong interest in ice and climate for which he received a Master’s degree in meteorology as well as a Bachelor’s degree in geo- and atmospheric sciences. Born in Munich, he grew up in beautiful Southern Germany and attended the Dante College.
Christian believes that the combination of satellite remote sensing with computer simulations and field validation helps us to tackle the climate change challenge. For this he mainly uses radar interferometry, open-source software and has participated in five expeditions to Antarctica as well as to glaciers in Iceland, the European Alps and the New Zealand mountains.
Christian also spends a big part of his life hanging by his fingertips. He is a keen rock climber, loves chocolate and shares his adventures on his online blog.
Christian Wild 