A Scots professor has died after plunging 100ft into a crevasse while riding a snowmobile during fieldwork in Antarctica.

Gordon Hamilton, a physical glaciologist at the University of Maine, had been carrying out research when he was involved in the accident.

The 50-year-old had been riding the vehicle on the White Island in Antarctica's Ross Archipelago when it hit a crevasse on Saturday.

The father-of-two, who grew up in Dundee and attended Ancrum Road Primary and Harris Academy, was carrying out research on modern ice sheets while working with the National Science Foundation.

In a statement, Mr Hamilton's family said his "spirit of adventure" was fuelled by his school years, before he went on to study at the University of Aberdeen and Cambridge University.

The tribute said: "Although Gordon had worked abroad in Norway and the USA for more than 20 years, he maintained a love of Scotland, always eager to find out the Dundee FC score or to hear how the Scotland rugby team was getting on.

"His love of Scottish music endured and his most recent visit with his family to Scotland in July this year to celebrate his 50th birthday included a trip to Stornoway to see Runrig, a band he had followed since his time at school.

"Every Christmas the Broons or Oor Wullie Annual made its way across the Atlantic and he even managed to take in some of the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail when he was in Dundee in the summer."

Mr Hamilton's family, including his wife Fiona and sons Martin and Calum, said they were "devastated" at his death.

The statement added: "They are immensely proud of all that he achieved in his life."

Mr Hamilton's academic colleagues said the University of Maine had "lost one of its leading scientists".

His team had been camped near the United States Antarctic Programme crevasse remediation base.

The specialists had been working to identify crevasses which had appeared in the past year.

His academic colleagues said the University of Maine had "lost one of its leading scientists".

UMaine president Susan Hunter said: "Gordon's glaciology research around the world - from Antarctica to Greenland - was second to none.

"He leaves a legacy as an outstanding scientist and a caring mentor and well-known teacher to undergraduate and graduate students.

"He was an engaged, gregarious and beloved member of the UMaine and Orono communities that now mourn his loss."

Ms Hunter said their thoughts were with Mr Hamilton's wife Fiona and their sons Martin and Calum.

He had been based at the Climate Change Institute since 2000 as an assistant research professor, having previously spent time at research projects in Ohio and Oslo in Norway.

Mr Hamilton also taught undergraduate and graduate courses, and supported youth learning programmes in schools across Maine.

Jeffrey Hecker, UMaine executive vice-president for academic affairs and provost, described Mr Hamilton as the "quintessential scientist and educator".

He added: "He touched - and changed - many lives. Our thoughts are with his students - past and present - his family and his many friends and colleagues."

Mr Hamilton's body has been recovered and it is due to be returned to his family in Maine.

The US Antarctic Programme has launched an investigation into the accident.