A theory of ice-sheet surges

A. C. Fowler, E. Schiavi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A simplified model of a two-dimensional ice sheet is described. It includes basal ice sliding dependent on the basal water pressure, which itself is described by a simple theory of basal drainage. We show that this simple but sophisticated model predicts surges of the ice mass in realistic circumstances, and we describe these surges by solving the problem numerically. We also are able to describe some parts of the surge analytically. The numerical solution of the model is a delicate matter, and highlights pitfalls to be avoided if more complicated models are to be solved successfully.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)104-118
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Glaciology
Volume44
Issue number146
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

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