Modelling of rift propagation on Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, and sensitivity to climate change

Physics – Geophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

9

Exploration Geophysics: Remote Sensing, Hydrology: Glaciology (1863), Hydrology: Snow And Ice (1827), Physical Properties Of Rocks: Fracture And Flow

Scientific paper

The calving of icebergs from large Antarctic ice shelves is controlled mainly by the formation and propagation of rifts originating from the side margins of the ice shelf and local areas of grounding. Using InSAR, we observe the evolution of rifts along Hemmen Ice Rise, on Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica prior to the large calving event of October 1998. We couple these observations with a computer model combining the viscous flow of an ice shelf with a linear elastic fracture mechanics description of the propagation of rifts. The model reveals that the ice melange trapped in between the rifts exerts a major control on the propagation of rifts, and in turn on ice shelf stability. Melting of the ice melange from oceanic or atmospheric warming would significantly increase the propagation rate of rifts and threaten the ice-shelf stability.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Modelling of rift propagation on Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, and sensitivity to climate change does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Modelling of rift propagation on Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, and sensitivity to climate change, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modelling of rift propagation on Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, and sensitivity to climate change will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1174710

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.