Ian Howat

Ian Howat is ENGIE-Axium Professor and Distinguished University Scholar at Ohio State University, where he directs the Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center. His research focuses on ice sheet dynamics using remote sensing and field observations to predict sea-level rise.

Research Leadership: Develops advanced satellite observation techniques to monitor glacier retreat, ice shelf stability, and ice-ocean interactions. Leads international collaborations on cryospheric change including NASA-funded projects.

Field Expertise: Conducted extensive fieldwork in Greenland, Antarctica, and Iceland. Current research examines Greenland Ice Sheet response to climate forcing using high-resolution elevation models and velocity mapping.

Recent Advances: Pioneered methods for generating continent-scale elevation models and detecting glacial lake outburst risks. Authored foundational studies linking ice sheet mass loss to sustained glacier retreat.