2022/03/08 by Jacob Downs, Jesse V. Johnson · 8 citations
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Medicine · #Arctic and Antarctic ice dynamics #Climatology #Cryosphere #Cryospheric studies and observations #Forcing (mathematics) #Geology #Geomorphology #Glacier #Glacier ice accumulation #Glacier mass balance #Ice calving #Ice stream #Meltwater #Oceanography #Sea ice #Surge #Tidewater glacier cycle #Traction (geology) #Winter Sports Injuries and Performance
paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/jog.2022.5
published in Journal of Glaciology, 1-10 (Cambridge University Press)
openalex publication_date 2022/03/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
Abstract Upernavik Isstrøm, a marine glacier undergoing rapid retreat, is simulated by forcing a numerical model with ocean-driven melt. A review of processes driving retreat led us to hypothesize that a glacier undergoing rapid retreat may be less sensitive to perturbations in the balance of forces than a glacier that is undergoing moderate changes or a glacier in steady state. Numerical experiments suggest this is not the case, and that a system in rapid retreat is as sensitive to basal traction perturbations as a system that is near to steady state. This result is important when considering other glacier systems experiencing marine-forced retreat. While the ice–ocean interface is of primary importance, additional perturbations from meltwater-forced decoupling of the glacier from its bed continue to feature in glacier dynamics.