Laboratory experiments enable us to isolate, reproduce, and investigate cryospheric processes and to develop and test new measurement techniques under controlled conditions. By complementing field studies, remote sensing, and numerical modeling, they provide a powerful approach to address pressing and complex questions about the fate of the cryosphere.
This session explores both the strengths and unique challenges of this laboratory approach, from experimental design and practical implementation to translating findings to the field. We welcome laboratory studies covering all components of the cryosphere on Earth and other planetary bodies, such as permafrost, sea ice, snow, and glaciers. We invite contributions across methods and scales, from microscale to large-scale experiments, such as physical analogue experiments, mechanical testing, tomography, and the development and testing of new measurement methods. This includes testing of materials, infrastructure, in situ sensors, and technologies for engineering applications. We encourage studies explicitly linking laboratory experiments with field observations, numerical modeling, and remote sensing.
By bringing together researchers working across different cryospheric disciplines and at different experimental scales, this session will provide a unique opportunity to discuss the methods, strengths, and challenges of laboratory approaches.