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Associate Professor Ian Francis Owens

Contact

Department: School of Earth and Environment

Email: ian.owens@canterbury.ac.nz

Office:

Language: English

About
Research / Creative works

Fields of Research

  • Avalanches
  • Glaciology
  • Hazards
  • Mountain climatology
  • Mountain geomorphology
  • Snow hydrology

Researcher Summary

Research includes snow and ice studies and geomorphology in mountainous areas.
Specific interests include: avalanche hazards (mapping and forecasting in New Zealand), glacier studies on the Brewster and Franz Josef Glaciers (in conjunction with Wendy Lawson and others) and morphometric studies of fans resulting from a range of processes in Canada and New Zealand (in conjunction with Fes de Scally).

Subject Area: Disciplines

  • Earth Sciences: Glaciology; Physical Geography; Tectonics

Resources

  • Staff webpage

Research/Scholarly/Creative Works

  • Owens I. and Zawar-Reza P. (2015) Weather and Climate. In Liggett D; Storey B; Cook Y; Meduna V (Ed.), Exploring the Last Continent: An Introduction to Antarctica: 91-114. Cham: Springer International Publishing. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18947-5_6. (Chapters)
  • Purdie H., Rack W., Anderson B., Kerr T., Chinn T., Owens I. and Linton M. (2015) The Impact of Extreme Summer Melt on Net Accumulation of an Avalanche Fed Glacier, as Determined by Ground-Penetrating Radar. Geografiska Annaler: Series A, Physical Geography 97(4): 779-791. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/geoa.12117. (Journal Articles)
  • Purdie H., Anderson B., Chinn T., Owens I., Mackintosh A. and Lawson W. (2014) Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, New Zealand: Historic length records. Global and Planetary Change 121: 41-52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2014.06.008. (Journal Articles)
  • Starheim C., Gomez C., Davies T., Owens I. and Hadmoko DS. (2013) Generating high spatiotemporal resolution digital terrain models for debris flow deposits from 3D structure-from-motion imagery and an unmanned aerial vehicle. Paris, France: 8th IAG International Conference on Geomorphology, 27-31 Aug 2013. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Starheim C., Gomez C., Harrison J., Kain C., Brewer NJ., Owen K., Sri Hadmoko D., Purdie H., Zawar-Reza P. and Owens I. (2013) Complex internal architecture of a debris flow deposit revealed using ground-penetrating radar, Cass, New Zealand. New Zealand Geographer 69(1): 26-38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nzg.12002. (Journal Articles)
  • Anderson BM., Goodsell B., Owens IF., Willis IC., Lawson WJ. and Mackintosh AN. (2011) Diurnal to decadal ice velocity variations on Franz Josef Glacier (Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere), South Westland, New Zealand. Fox Glacier Township, New Zealand: Snow and Ice Research Group (NZ) Annual Workshop (SIRG 2011), 9-11 Feb 2011. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • de Scally FA., Owens IF. and Louis J. (2010) Controls on fan depositional processes in the schist ranges of the Southern Alps, New Zealand, and implications for debris-flow hazard assessment. Geomorphology 122(1-2): 99-116. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2010.06.002. (Journal Articles)
  • Willis I., Lawson W., Owens I., Jacobel B. and Autridge J. (2009) Subglacial drainage system structure and morphology of Brewster Glacier, New Zealand. Hydrological Processes 23(3): 384-396. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hyp.7146. (Journal Articles)
  • Allen S., Owens I. and Huggel C. (2008) A First Estimate of Mountain Permafrost Distribution in the Mount Cook Region of New Zealand's Southern Alps. In : 37-42. (Conference Contributions - Published)
  • Allen S., Owens I. and Sirguey P. (2008) Satellite remote sensing procedures for glacial terrain analyses and hazard assessment in the Aoraki Mount Cook region, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology & Geophysics 51: 73-87. (Journal Articles)
  • Anderson B., Lawson W. and Owens I. (2008) Response of Franz Josef Glacier Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere to climate change. Global and Planetary Change 63(1): 23-30. (Journal Articles)
  • Hendrikx J. and Owens I. (2008) Modified avalanche risk equations to account for waiting traffic on avalanche prone roads. Cold Regions Science and Technology 51(2-3): 214-218. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2007.04.011. (Journal Articles)
  • Kerr T. and Owens IF. (2008) Ghiacciai e cambiamenti climatici durante l'ultimo secolo nella regione Aoraki/Mt Cook, Nuova Zelanda: Glaciers and climate change over the last century in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region, New Zealand. Terra Glacialis Edizione Speciale 2008: 209-222. (Journal Articles)
  • Kerr T., Owens I. and Henderson R. (2007) An extreme average annual precipitation gradient measured in a lee mountain catchment, South Island, New Zealand. Vienna, Austria: European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly, 15-20 Apr 2007. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Anderson B., Lawson W., Owens I. and Goodsell B. (2006) Past and future mass balance of 'Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere' Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand. Journal of Glaciology 52(179): 597-607. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/172756506781828449. (Journal Articles)
  • Hendrikx J. and Owens I. (2006) The influences of atmospheric indices on the snow and avalanche regime, Fiordland, New Zealand. Twizel, New Zealand: GLIMS/SIRG meeting, 1-1 Feb 2006. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Hendrikx J. and Owens I. (2006) The Milford Road Avalanche Atlas.Commissioned by TransitNZ. 133. (Reports)
  • Hendrikx J., Owens I., Carran W. and Carran A. (2006) Avalanche Risk Evaluation with Practical Suggestions for Risk Minimization: A Case Study of the Milford Road, New Zealand. In International Snow Science Workshop 2006 Proceedings: 757-767. (Conference Contributions - Published)
  • Kerr T., Owens I. and Henderson R. (2006) Measured precipitation distributions in the Lake Pukaki Catchment, New Zealand. University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealan: Resource Management Under Stormy Skies: Water Allocation @ the Crossroads?, 20-23 Nov 2006. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Kerr T., Owens I. and Henderson R. (2006) Rainfall and snowfall measurement in Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand. Twizel, New Zealand: GLIMS/SIRG meeting, 1-1 Feb 2006. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Owens I. and Irwin D. (2006) An update on avalanche hazard in New Zealand. Brisbane, Australia: Regional International Geographical Union Conference, 2-7 Jul 2006. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Owens I., Hendrikx J., Carran W. and Carran A. (2006) The Influences Of Atmospheric Indices On The Snow And Avalanche Regime, Fiordland, New Zealand. Kirovsk, Russia: Third International Conference on Avalanches and Related Subjects, 4-8 Sep 2006. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Owens I., Irwin D., Schreiber S., Hendrikx J. and Bogie D. (2006) Communicating avalanche risk to the public in New Zealand - a brief history and some recent developments. SFU Harbour Centre, Vancouver: International Workshop on Snow Avalanches, 29 Oct-2 Nov 2006. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • de Scally F. and Owens IF. (2005) Processes and particle characteristics on fans in the Southern Alps, New Zealand. Geomorphology 69: 46-56. (Journal Articles)
  • Goodsell B., Anderson B., Lawson WJ. and Owens IF. (2005) Outburst flooding at Franz Josef Glacier, south Westland, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics 48: 95-104. (Journal Articles)
  • Hendrikx J., Owens I., Carran W. and Carran A. (2005) Avalanche activity in an extreme maritime climate: The application of classification trees for forecasting. Cold Regions Science and Technology 43: 104-116. (Journal Articles)
  • de Scally F. and Owens IF. (2004) Morphometric controls and geomorphic responses on fans in the Southern Alps, New Zealand. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 29(3): 311-322. (Journal Articles)
  • Hendrikx J., Owens I., Carran W. and Carran A. (2004) Examination of the spatial distribution of avalanche activity in relation to meteorological and topographic variables in an extreme alpine environment. Jackson Hole, USA: International Snow Science Workshop, 19 Sep 2004. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Irwin D. and Owens I. (2004) A history of avalanche accidents in Aotearoa New Zealand. Jackson Hole, USA: International Snow Science Workshop, 19 Sep 2004. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Owens IF. and Fitzharris BB. (2004) Seasonal snow and water. In Harding J; Mosley P; Pearson C; Sorrell B (Ed.), Freshwaters of New Zealand: 5.1-5.12. Wellington: NZ Hydrological Society and NZ Limnological Society. (Chapters)
  • de Scally F. and Owens IF. (2003) Alluvial fans in the Southern Alps: Differentiation of depositional processes using morphometry and particle characteristics. Auckland, New Zealand: 22nd New Zealand Geographical Society Conference, 6 Jul 2003. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Oliphant AJ., Spronken-Smith RA., Sturman AP. and Owens IF. (2003) Spatial variability of surface radiation fluxes in mountainous terrain. Journal of Applied Meteorology 42(1): 113-128. (Journal Articles)
  • Irwin D., Macqueen W. and Owens I. (2002) Avalanche Accidents in Aotearoa New Zealand. (1st ed.). Wellington: N.Z. Mountain Safety Council. 153. (Authored Books)
  • Kossmann M., Sturman AP., Zawar-Reza P., McGowan HA., Oliphant AJ., Owens IF. and Spronken-Smith RA. (2002) Analysis of the wind field and heat budget in an alpine lake basin during summertime fair weather conditions. Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics 81(1-2): 27-52. (Journal Articles)
  • Owens I. (2002) Observations on long term trends in avalanche fatalities and activities of victims in recent decades. Crystal Ball 10(1): 12-16. (Journal Articles)
  • Owens I. (2002) Natural hazards. In Sturman AP; Spronken-Smith R (Ed.), Introduction to the Physical Environment - a New Zealand Perspective (1st ed.): 427-446. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. (Chapters)
  • Todd D., Benn J. and Owens I. (2002) "West Coast Regional Council: Natural Hazards Review". Unpub. Report for West Coast Regional Council. 140pp.140. (Reports)
  • de Scally F., Slaymaker O. and Owens I. (2001) Morphometric controls and basin response in the Cascade Mountains. Geografiska Annaler 83(A)(3): 117-130. (Journal Articles)
  • Owens I. (2001) Background to avalanche incidents at Craigieburn Valley, Flock Hill. Flock Hill, Canterbury, New Zealand: NZ Mountain Safety Council Avalanche Workshop, 01 Jan 1997. (Oral Presentations)
  • Owens I. (2001) Observations on the scientific aspects of the Mar 24th 2001 avalanche accident on the Annapurna Sanctuary track. Report to the Australian Defence Department of Inquiry into the Avalanche Fatalities in the Annapurna Sanctuary, March 2001..37. (Reports)
  • Owens I. (2001) Natural Hazards. In Sturman A; Spronken-Smith R (Ed.), The physical environment: a New Zealand perspective: 427-446. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. (Chapters)
  • Sturman AP., Owens IF. and Fitzharris BB. (2001) Precipitation processes and water storage. In Sturman AP; Spronken-Smith RA (Ed.), The physical environment: a New Zealand perspective: 152-174. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. (Chapters)
  • Wanner H., Jeanerret F. and Owens I. (2001) Editorial Special Issue of Mountain Research and Development :The Alps in Europe and the Southern Alps in New Zealand. Mountain Research and Development 21(4): 311. (Journal Articles)
  • Kossmann M., Sturman AP., Zawar-Reza P., McGowan HA., Oliphant AJ., Owens IF. and Spronken-Smith RA. (2000) Analysis of the wind and temperature field in an alpine lake basin. In Proceedings 9th Conference on Mountain Meteorology, American Meteorological Society: 312-313. (Conference Contributions - Published)
  • Owens I. (2000) Avalanche accident, Hakuba Japan, 19/2/00. Crystal Ball 8: 33-35. (Journal Articles)
  • Smart CC., Owens IF., Lawson W. and Morris AL. (2000) Exceptional ablation arising from rainfall-induced slushflows: Brewster Glacier, New Zealand. Hydrological Processes 14: 1045-1052. (Journal Articles)
  • Yetton M., McCahon I., Owens I. and Todd D. (2000) Hurunui District Engineering Lifelines Project - Natural Hazards Assessment. Part 1: Literature Review and Hazard Scenarios.Commissioned by Environment Canterbury. 171pp. (Reports)
  • Yetton M., McCahon I., Owens I. and Todd D. (2000) Hurunui District Engineering Lifelines Project - Natural Hazards Assessment. Part 2: Hanmer Pilot Study.Commissioned by Environment Canterbury. 25pp. (Reports)
  • Fitzharris B., Lawson W. and Owens IF. (1999) Research on glaciers and snow in New Zealand. Progress in Physical Geography 23(4): 469-500. (Journal Articles)
  • Lawson W., Autridge J. and Owens I. (1999) The Internal Drainage System of the Brewster Glacier, Southern Alps. Palmerson North, New Zealand: 20th Conference of the N.Z. Geographical Society, 1 Jul 1999. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Owens I. (1999) Advances in assessing snowpack stability Seminar presented at Winter Practioners' Symposium. Twizel: 01 Jun 2001. (Oral Presentations)
  • Owens I. (1999) Revision of the guidelines for observations of weather, snow and avalanche occurrence. Te Anau, New Zealand: NZ Mountain Safety Council Avalanche Workshop. (Oral Presentations)
  • Owens IF., Lawson WJ. and Jacobel RW. (1999) Glacier Radar Studies on the Brewster Glacier, South Westland, New Zealand. Palmerson North, New Zealand: 20th Conference of the N.Z. Geographical Society, 1 Jul 1999. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Perry GLW., Sparrow AD. and Owens I. (1999) A GIS-supported model for the simulation of the spatial structure of wildland fire, Cass Basin, New Zealand. Journal of Applied Ecology 36: 502-518. (Journal Articles)
  • Brazier V., Kirkbride MP. and Owens IF. (1998) The relationship between climate and rock glacier distribution in the Ben Ohau range, New Zealand. Geografiska Annaler 80A: 3-4. (Journal Articles)
  • Hochstein MP., Watson MI., Malengreau B., Nobes DC. and Owens I. (1998) Rapid melting of the terminal section of the Hooker Glacier (Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand). New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics 41: 203-218. (Journal Articles)
  • Lawson W., Autridge J. and Owens I. (1998) Geometry of subglacial water flow at Brewster Glacier, Southern Alps: an analysis of tracer experiments. Bristol, UK: International Glaciological Society, British Branch Meeting, 1 Sep 1998. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Owens I. (1998) "Mountain hazard management in New Zealand". Seminar Institute for Torrent and Avalanche Research, Federal Forest Research Centre, Innsbruck, Austria. 01 Sep 1998. (Oral Presentations)
  • Owens I. (1998) Snow avalanche hazards in New Zealand. Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Ice Research, Davos, Switzerland. (Oral Presentations)
  • Owens I. (1998) Modern Avalanche Education - New Zealand. Sunriver, Oregon, USA: International Snow Science Workshop '98, 27 Sep 1998. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Owens I., Tyndall A. and Weir P. (1998) Problems in dealing with solid precipitation hazards. Christchurch, New Zealand: Proceedings of the Natural Hazards Management Workshop. Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences information series 45., 1 Jan 1998. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Nobes DC., Hochstein M. and Owens IF. (1997) Internal Structure of the Hooker and Tasman Glacier Termini from Ground Penetrating Radar Profiling: Correlation with Glacier Retreat and Terminal Melt Lake Development.. Melbourne, Australia: Glaciers of the Southern Hemisphere, 1 Jul 1997. (Conference Contributions - Other)
  • Tyson PD., Sturman AP., Fitzharris BB., Mason SJ. and Owens IF. (1997) Circulation changes and teleconnections between glacial advances on the west coast of New Zealand and extended spells of drought years in South Africa. International Journal of Climatology 17: 1499-1512. (Journal Articles)
  • McKendry IG., Sturman AP. and Owens IF. (1988) Interactions between local winds and coastal sea surface temperatures near the Canterbury coast. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 22: 91-100. (Journal Articles)

Research Groups

  • Earth Atmosphere Processes
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