scholarly journals Two independent methods for mapping the grounding line of an outlet glacier – example from the Astrolabe Glacier, Terre Adélie, Antarctica

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 3969-4014
Author(s):  
E. Le Meur ◽  
M. Sacchettini ◽  
S. Garambois ◽  
E. Berthier ◽  
A. S. Drouet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Points ◽  
Gps Measurements ◽  
Outlet Glacier ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Surface Displacements ◽  
Grounding Line ◽  
Terre Adélie ◽  
Elastic Slab ◽  
Kinematic Approach

Abstract. The grounding line is a key element acting on the dynamics of coastal outlet glaciers. Knowing its position accurately is fundamental for both modelling the glacier dynamics and establishing a benchmark to which one can later refer in case of change. Here we map the grounding line of the Astrolabe Glacier in East Antarctica (66°41´ S; 140°05´ E), using hydrostatic and tidal methods. The first method is based on new surface and ice thickness data from which the line of buoyant flotation is found. We compare this hydrostatic map with kinematic GPS measurements of the tidal response of the ice surface. By detecting the transitions where the ice starts to move vertically in response to the tidal forcing we find control points for the grounding line position along GPS profiles. %If it can be shown that the long-term viscous mechanical behaviour of the ice slab validates the hydrostatic approach, mapping the grounding line from the ice supper surface displacements conversely requires correcting for the rigid elastic slab effect that dominates at tidal frequencies. With the help of a 2-dimensional elastic plate model, rigid elastic deviations are computed and applied to these control points. Once the extent of the grounding zone, the kinematic approach is consistent with the hydrostatic map. These two approaches lead us to propose a grounding line for the Astrolabe Glacier that significantly deviates from those obtained so far from satellite imagery.

scholarly journals Two independent methods for mapping the grounding line of an outlet glacier – an example from the Astrolabe Glacier, Terre Adélie, Antarctica

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1331-1346 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Le Meur ◽  
M. Sacchettini ◽  
S. Garambois ◽  
E. Berthier ◽  
A. S. Drouet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ice Thickness ◽  
Control Points ◽  
Gps Measurements ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Outlet Glacier ◽  
Kinematic Gps ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Grounding Line ◽  
Glacier Dynamics ◽  
Terre Adélie

Abstract. The grounding line is a key element of coastal outlet glaciers, acting on their dynamics. Accurately knowing its position is fundamental for both modelling the glacier dynamics and establishing a benchmark for later change detection. Here we map the grounding line of the Astrolabe Glacier in East Antarctica (66°41' S, 140°05' E), using both hydrostatic and tidal methods. The first method is based on new surface and ice thickness data from which the line of buoyant floatation is found. The second method uses kinematic GPS measurements of the tidal response of the ice surface. By detecting the transitions where the ice starts to move vertically in response to the tidal forcing we determine control points for the grounding line position along GPS profiles. Employing a two-dimensional elastic plate model, we compute the rigid short-term behaviour of the ice plate and estimate the correction required to compare the kinematic GPS control points with the previously determined line of floatation. These two approaches show consistency and lead us to propose a grounding line for the Astrolabe Glacier that significantly deviates from the lines obtained so far from satellite imagery.

scholarly journals Mass balance of the Antarctic ice sheet 1992–2016: reconciling results from GRACE gravimetry with ICESat, ERS1/2 and Envisat altimetry

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
H. Jay Zwally ◽  
John W. Robbins ◽  
Scott B. Luthcke ◽  
Bryant D. Loomis ◽  
Frédérique Rémy
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Antarctic Peninsula ◽  
East Antarctica ◽  
Mantle Material ◽  
West Antarctica ◽  
Mantle Viscosity ◽  
Grounding Line ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Total Gain

Abstract GRACE and ICESat Antarctic mass-balance differences are resolved utilizing their dependencies on corrections for changes in mass and volume of the same underlying mantle material forced by ice-loading changes. Modeled gravimetry corrections are 5.22 times altimetry corrections over East Antarctica (EA) and 4.51 times over West Antarctica (WA), with inferred mantle densities 4.75 and 4.11 g cm−3. Derived sensitivities (Sg, Sa) to bedrock motion enable calculation of motion (δB0) needed to equalize GRACE and ICESat mass changes during 2003–08. For EA, δB0 is −2.2 mm a−1 subsidence with mass matching at 150 Gt a−1, inland WA is −3.5 mm a−1 at 66 Gt a−1, and coastal WA is only −0.35 mm a−1 at −95 Gt a−1. WA subsidence is attributed to low mantle viscosity with faster responses to post-LGM deglaciation and to ice growth during Holocene grounding-line readvance. EA subsidence is attributed to Holocene dynamic thickening. With Antarctic Peninsula loss of −26 Gt a−1, the Antarctic total gain is 95 ± 25 Gt a−1 during 2003–08, compared to 144 ± 61 Gt a−1 from ERS1/2 during 1992–2001. Beginning in 2009, large increases in coastal WA dynamic losses overcame long-term EA and inland WA gains bringing Antarctica close to balance at −12 ± 64 Gt a−1 by 2012–16.

scholarly journals Are longitudinal ice-surface structures on the Antarctic Ice Sheet indicators of long-term ice-flow configuration?

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 911-933 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. F. Glasser ◽  
S. J. A. Jennings ◽  
M. J. Hambrey ◽  
B. Hubbard
Keyword(s):  
Flow Line ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
Surface Structures ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Ice Flow ◽  
Antarctic Ice Sheet ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Ice Stream ◽  
The Antarctic

Abstract. Continent-wide mapping of longitudinal ice-surface structures on the Antarctic Ice Sheet reveals that they originate in the interior of the ice sheet and are arranged in arborescent networks fed by multiple tributaries. Longitudinal ice-surface structures can be traced continuously down-ice for distances of up to 1200 km. They are co-located with fast-flowing glaciers and ice streams that are dominated by basal sliding rates above tens of m yr-1 and are strongly guided by subglacial topography. Longitudinal ice-surface structures dominate regions of converging flow, where ice flow is subject to non-coaxial strain and simple shear. Associating these structures with the AIS' surface velocity field reveals (i) ice residence times of ~ 2500 to 18 500 years, and (ii) undeformed flow-line sets for all major flow units analysed except the Kamb Ice Stream and the Institute and Möller Ice Stream areas. Although it is unclear how long it takes for these features to form and decay, we infer that the major ice-flow and ice-velocity configuration of the ice sheet may have remained largely unchanged for several thousand years, and possibly even since the end of the last glacial cycle. This conclusion has implications for our understanding of the long-term landscape evolution of Antarctica, including large-scale patterns of glacial erosion and deposition.

scholarly journals Isostatic postglacial rebound over Fennoscandia with a self-gravitating spherical visco-elastic Earth model

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 318-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Le Meur
Keyword(s):  
Present Model ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Earth Model ◽  
Postglacial Rebound ◽  
Mantle Viscosity ◽  
Surface Displacements ◽  
Grounding Line ◽  
The Common ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Sensitive Issues

Accounting for isostasy in glaciological models has always been a necessity but these models mostly use very simple parameterizations (Le Meur and Huybrechts, 1996). The need for more realistic isostatic parameterizations rapidly became apparent, especially in the treatment of bedrock-sensitive issues such as the grounding-line migration (Huybrechts, 1990a, b). To this end, a rather sophisticated Earth model, avoiding most of the common assumptions, has been developed and is presented here. The two key groups of parameters, to which the model is most sensitive, are the Earth properties and the rheological law used for the mantle. The aim of this paper is first to justify the use of Maxwell rheology for the mantle and then to tune the most sensitive Earth parameter, namely the mantle viscosity, in order to match the numerous present-day uplift data over Fennoscandia. So, in the first instance, a short review of the different available rheologies is presented and discussed. The visco-elastic theory, as well as the mathematical background used in the present model, is also briefly sketched. Secondly, a glacial scenario over Fennoscandia served as an input for the model in a calibration test on the mantle-viscosity values. The degree of agreement of the model outputs with the present-day measurements gives a reference set of Green functions, to which one can reasonably refer when modelling the isostatic response over areas where such a control is not possible (Le Meur and Huybrechts, 1996). Finally, a closer look to the time-dependent surface displacements will confirm the ability for the model to reproduce correctly the main postglacial rebound characteristic features.

scholarly journals Coastal-change and glaciological maps of Antarctica

1995 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 284-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard S. Williams ◽  
Jane G. Ferrigno ◽  
Charles Swithinbank ◽  
Baerbel K. Lucchitta ◽  
Barbara A. Seekins
Keyword(s):  
Global Climate ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Ice Streams ◽  
Landsat Images ◽  
Ice Shelves ◽  
Coastal Mapping ◽  
Grounding Line ◽  
Polar Research Institute ◽  
The Antarctic

In spite of their importance to global climate and sea level, the mass balance of the Antarctic ice sheet and the dynamics of the coast of Antarctica are largely unknown. In 1990, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Scott Polar Research Institute. U.K., began a long-term coastal mapping project in Antarctica that is based on analysis of Landsat images and ancillary sources. The project has live objectives: (1) to determine coastline changes that have occurred between the mid-1970s and the late 1980s/early 1990s; (2) to establish an accurate base-line series of 24 1: 1 000 000 scale maps that define the glaciological characteristics of the coastline: (3) to determine velocities of outlet glaciers, ice streams and ice shelves: (4) to compile a comprehensive inventory of outlet glaciers and ice streams: and (5) to compile a 1: 5 000 000 scale map of Antarctica derived from the 24 maps. Analysis of images used in producing the first five of the 24 maps has shown that ice fronts, iceberg tongues and glacier tongues are the most dynamic and changeable features in the coastal regions of Antarctica. Seaward of the grounding line of outlet glaciers, ice streams and ice shelves, the floating margin is subject to frequent, large calving events and rapid flow. Although calving does occur along ice walls, the magnitude of their change on an annual to decadal basis is generally not discernible on Landsat images; therefore, ice walls can be used as relatively stable reference features for measuring other changes along the coast. Velocities of outlet glaciers, ice streams and ice shelves range from 0.1 to several kilometers per year.

scholarly journals Modelling of a marine glacier and ice-sheet-ice-shelf transition zone based on asymptotic analysis

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 59-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir A. Chugunov ◽  
Alexander V. Wilchinsky
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Transition Zone ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
Ice Shelf ◽  
Stream Length ◽  
Glacier Surface ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Grounding Line ◽  
The Difference

All parts of a two-dimensional, isothermal, stationary marine glacier (grounded ice sheet, ice shelf and transition zone) with constant viscosity are analysed by perturbation methods. In so doing, all zones of different flow patterns can be considered separately. Correlations between spatial scales for all parts can be expressed in terms of the typical ice-surface slope distant from the ocean, which reflects exterior conditions of the glacier’s existence. In considering the ice-sheet–ice-shelf transition zone, a small parameter characterizing the difference between ice and water densities is used. Such an analysis allows us to find boundary conditions at the grounding line for the grounded ice mass. Glacier-surface profiles are determined by numerical methods. The grounding-line position found by using the boundary conditions derived in this paper differs from that obtained by using Thomas and Bentley’s (1978) boundary conditions by about 10% of the grounded ice-stream length.

scholarly journals Pattern of Ice Surface Lowering for Rennick Glacier, Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica

1979 ◽  
Vol 22 (86) ◽  
pp. 53-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul A. Mayewski ◽  
John W. Attig ◽  
David J. Drewry
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Current Fluctuations ◽  
Ice Shelf ◽  
Surface Cover ◽  
Ross Ice Shelf ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Victoria Land ◽  
Grounding Line ◽  
And Sea Level

AbstractRennick Glacier is one of the major ice drainages in northern Victoria Land. Unlike glaciers farther south along the Transantarctic Mountains, Rennick Glacier does not drain into the Ross Ice Shelf but flows directly into a seasonally ice-covered ocean. Therefore, current fluctuations of this glacier are unhampered by the dampening effects of the Ross Ice Shelf. The primary controls on the activity of this glacier and others in this region are mass balance and sea-level.Two major glacial events are recorded in the upper Rennick Glacier region. The location of erratics and glacially scoured features suggest that during the oldest or Evans glaciation ice covered all but the highest peaks in the region. Following this glaciation a re-advance produced the Rennick glaciation. Drift produced during this glaciation has a surface cover of unweathered clasts and is commonly found in the form of recessional moraines with associated ice-marginal lakes. Rennick Glacier is currently in a recessional phase of the Rennick glaciation. The phase is characterized by physical re-adjustments of local ice masses including progressive inland migration of the Rennick Glacier grounding line. To date the grounding line has migrated up to the mid-point of the glacier. This trend may be expected to continue.

Evidence for variable grounding-zone and shear-margin basal conditions across Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica

Geophysics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. WA35-WA43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dustin M. Schroeder ◽  
Cyril Grima ◽  
Donald D. Blankenship
Keyword(s):  
Attenuation Correction ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
Analysis Approach ◽  
Airborne Radar ◽  
West Antarctica ◽  
Amundsen Sea ◽  
Outlet Glacier ◽  
Ice Surface ◽  
Propagation Losses

Definitive interpretation of ice-sheet basal conditions from radar-sounding data beneath outlet-glacier grounding zones and shear margins can be problematic due to poorly constrained and spatially variable englacial attenuation rates and losses from propagation through a rough ice surface. To correct for spatially variable attenuation rates, we developed a novel radar analysis approach that provided improved empirical attenuation correction by fitting linearly variable attenuation rates along radar-sounding profiles from the ice-sheet interior to the grounding zone. We also corrected for ice-surface propagation losses by using surface echo amplitude distributions to constrain the loss of coherent power for surface reflections and two-way propagation through a rough ice surface. By applying this approach to airborne radar-sounding observations of the Thwaites Glacier catchment in West Antarctica, we produced relative reflectivity profiles, which show grounding-zone basal conditions varying across the Amundsen Sea Embayment. Additionally, these techniques provided improved characterization of basal conditions across shear margins, showing that — contrary to previous interpretations — the eastern shear margin of Thwaites Glacier corresponded to a change in basal conditions consistent with a transition from frozen to thawed bed.

scholarly journals Snow-accumulation variability from seasonal surface observations and firn-core stratigraphy, eastern Wilkes Land, Antarctica

1991 ◽  
Vol 37 (127) ◽  
pp. 383-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian D. Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Circulation Pattern ◽  
Snow Accumulation ◽  
Atmospheric Circulation Pattern ◽  
Oxygen Isotope Ratios ◽  
Stratigraphic Model ◽  
Wilkes Land ◽  
Annual Frequency ◽  
Terre Adélie ◽  
Precipitation Events

AbstractAnnual accumulation records were derived from two firn cores drilled at GD03 (69° 00’S, 115° 30’E, 1835m) and GD15 (69° 00’S, 130° 48’E, 2155m), which are separated by 750 km along the 2000 m contour in eastern Wilkes Land. The accumulation records, spanning the period 1930–85, show that annual accumulation has increased by 25% from 1960 to 1985, resulting in the highest accumulation rates in the 55 year records. Annual accumulation layers were identified in the firn cores using a firn-stratigraphic model (based on the observed characteristics and variability of the seasonal snow-surface layer) together with seasonal oxygen-isotope ratios. The accumulation records support other evidence for a similar recent increase across Antarctica. The greater increase over the long-term mean for 1930–85 in eastern Wilkes Land was observed at GD15 which is located on a northeast aspect slope near Terre Adèlie. It is suggested that the increase is the result of changes in the general atmospheric circulation pattern which have produced a higher annual frequency of precipitation events.

scholarly journals Ice-shelf Response to Ice-stream Discharge Fluctuations: I. Unconfined Ice Tongues

1988 ◽  
Vol 34 (116) ◽  
pp. 121-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas R. MacAyeal ◽  
Victor Barcilon
Keyword(s):  
Ice Shelf ◽  
Lagrangian Particle ◽  
Sea Level Fluctuations ◽  
Stream Discharge ◽  
Discharge Fluctuations ◽  
Ice Stream ◽  
Grounding Line ◽  
Velocity Changes ◽  
Particle Paths

AbstractIce-stream discharge fluctuations constitute an independent means of forcing unsteady ice-shelf behavior, and their effect must be distinguished from those of oceanic and atmospheric climate to understand ice-shelf change. In addition, ice-stream-generated thickness anomalies may constitute a primary trigger of ice-rise formation in the absence of major sea-level fluctuations. Such triggering may maintain the current ice-rise population that, in turn, contributes to long-term ice-sheet stability. Here, we show that ice-stream-generated fluctuations of an ideal, two-dimensional ice shelf propagate along two characteristic trajectories. One trajectory permits instantaneous transmission of grounding-line velocity changes to all points down-stream. The other trajectory represents slow transmission of grounding-line thickness changes along Lagrangian particle paths.

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