How deformation influences the flow and fracture of glacier ice

Abstract: Most of the mass loss from the Antarctic Ice Sheet occurs by dynamic flow of ice from the interior of the ice sheet to the margins, where the ice flows on the ocean, ultimately breaks apart into icebergs, and melts into the ocean. Due to anthropogenic shifts in the climate system, many glaciers in Antarctica are accelerating and thus increasing the contribution of Antarctica to global sea-levelrise, and a prerequisite to projecting these changes is understanding the physical processes causing acceleration of glaciers.

In these glaciers, fast-flow is partially controlled by rapid ice deformation in the margins. This ice deformation activates physical processes that alter ice viscosity and influences ice flow and fracture. Here, we take a three-pronged approach to determining the effect of rapid ice deformation on ice flow and fracture: harnessing satellite and field observations, developing theory, and improving ice flow models to represent completely the feedbacks that drive changes to ice flow. We show that ice deformation activates thermomechanical and microphysical processes that have implications for the strength of ice and the rate and mechanisms of ice flow. Further, we propose a framework for including these new processes into ice flow models. This work provides insights into the drivers to accelerating mass loss and a path forward for modeling future ice sheet behavior more accurately. 

About this Series

The Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Sack Lunch Seminar Series is an informal seminar series within PAOC that focuses on more specialized topics than the PAOC Colloquium. Seminar topics include all research concerning the science of atmosphere, ocean and climate. The seminars usually take place on Wednesdays from 12-1pm in 54-915. The presentations are either given by an invited speaker or by a member of PAOC and can focus on new research or discussion of a paper of particular interest.

Contact: sacklunch-committee@mit.edu for Zoom information