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1
Koenig, S. J., A. M. Dolan, B. de Boer, et al. "Ice sheet model dependency of the simulated Greenland Ice Sheet in the mid-Pliocene." Climate of the Past 11, no. 3 (2015): 369–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/cp-11-369-2015.
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Abstract. The understanding of the nature and behavior of ice sheets in past warm periods is important for constraining the potential impacts of future climate change. The Pliocene warm period (between 3.264 and 3.025 Ma) saw global temperatures similar to those projected for future climates; nevertheless, Pliocene ice locations and extents are still poorly constrained. We present results from the efforts to simulate mid-Pliocene Greenland Ice Sheets by means of the international Pliocene Ice Sheet Modeling Intercomparison Project (PLISMIP). We compare the performance of existing numerical ice sheet models in simulating modern control and mid-Pliocene ice sheets with a suite of sensitivity experiments guided by available proxy records. We quantify equilibrated ice sheet volume on Greenland, identifying a potential range in sea level contributions from warm Pliocene scenarios. A series of statistical measures are performed to quantify the confidence of simulations with focus on inter-model and inter-scenario differences. We find that Pliocene Greenland Ice Sheets are less sensitive to differences in ice sheet model configurations and internal physical quantities than to changes in imposed climate forcing. We conclude that Pliocene ice was most likely to be limited to the highest elevations in eastern and southern Greenland as simulated with the highest confidence and by synthesizing available regional proxies; however, the extent of those ice caps needs to be further constrained by using a range of general circulation model (GCM) climate forcings.
2
Liang, Lei, Xinwu Li, and Fei Zheng. "Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Ice Sheet Snowmelt in Antarctica and Greenland Using Microwave Radiometer Data." Remote Sensing 11, no. 16 (2019): 1838. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/rs11161838.
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The surface snowmelt on ice sheets in polar areas (ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica) is not only an important sensitive factor of global climate change, but also a key factor that controls the global climate. Spaceborne earth observation provides an efficient means of measuring snowmelt dynamics. Based on an improved ice sheet snowmelt detection algorithm and several new proposed parameters for detecting change, polar ice sheet snowmelt dynamics were monitored and analyzed by using spaceborne microwave radiometer datasets from 1978 to 2014. Our results show that the change in intensity of Greenland and Antarctica snowmelt generally tended to increase and decrease, respectively. Moreover, we show that the de-trended snowmelt change in ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica vary in anti-correlation patterns. Furthermore, analysis in Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, and the Southern Annular Mode suggests that the Atlantic Ocean and atmosphere could be a possible link between the snowmelt variability of the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica.
3
Roe, Gerard H. "Modeling precipitation over ice sheets: an assessment using Greenland." Journal of Glaciology 48, no. 160 (2002): 70–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/172756502781831593.
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AbstractThe interaction between ice sheets and the rest of the climate system at long time-scales is not well understood, and studies of the ice ages typically employ simplified parameterizations of the climate forcing on an ice sheet. It is important therefore to understand how an ice sheet responds to climate forcing, and whether the reduced approaches used in modeling studies are capable of providing robust and realistic answers. This work focuses on the accumulation distribution, and in particular considers what features of the accumulation pattern are necessary to model the steady-state response of an ice sheet. We examine the response of a model of the Greenland ice sheet to a variety of accumulation distributions, both observational datasets and simplified parameterizations. The predicted shape of the ice sheet is found to be quite insensitive to changes in the accumulation. The model only differs significantly from the observed ice sheet for a spatially uniform accumulation rate, and the most important factor for the successful simulation of the ice sheet’s shape is that the accumulation decreases with height according to the ability of the atmosphere to hold moisture. However, the internal ice dynamics strongly reflects the influence of the atmospheric circulation on the accumulation distribution.
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Livingstone, S. J., C. D. Clark, J. Woodward, and J. Kingslake. "Potential subglacial lake locations and meltwater drainage pathways beneath the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets." Cryosphere 7, no. 6 (2013): 1721–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tc-7-1721-2013.
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Abstract. We use the Shreve hydraulic potential equation as a simplified approach to investigate potential subglacial lake locations and meltwater drainage pathways beneath the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets. We validate the method by demonstrating its ability to recall the locations of >60% of the known subglacial lakes beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet. This is despite uncertainty in the ice-sheet bed elevation and our simplified modelling approach. However, we predict many more lakes than are observed. Hence we suggest that thousands of subglacial lakes remain to be found. Applying our technique to the Greenland Ice Sheet, where very few subglacial lakes have so far been observed, recalls 1607 potential lake locations, covering 1.2% of the bed. Our results will therefore provide suitable targets for geophysical surveys aimed at identifying lakes beneath Greenland. We also apply the technique to modelled past ice-sheet configurations and find that during deglaciation both ice sheets likely had more subglacial lakes at their beds. These lakes, inherited from past ice-sheet configurations, would not form under current surface conditions, but are able to persist, suggesting a retreating ice-sheet will have many more subglacial lakes than advancing ones. We also investigate subglacial drainage pathways of the present-day and former Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Key sectors of the ice sheets, such as the Siple Coast (Antarctica) and NE Greenland Ice Stream system, are suggested to have been susceptible to subglacial drainage switching. We discuss how our results impact our understanding of meltwater drainage, basal lubrication and ice-stream formation.
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Livingstone, S. J., C. D. Clark, and J. Woodward. "Predicting subglacial lakes and meltwater drainage pathways beneath the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets." Cryosphere Discussions 7, no. 2 (2013): 1177–213. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tcd-7-1177-2013.
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Abstract. In this paper we use the Shreve hydraulic potential equation to predict subglacial lakes and meltwater drainage pathways beneath the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets. For the Antarctic Ice Sheet we are able to predict known subglacial lakes with a >70% success rate, which demonstrates the validity of this method. Despite the success in predicting known subglacial lakes the calculations produce two-orders of magnitude more lakes than are presently identified, covering 4% of the ice-sheet bed. The difference is thought to result from our poor knowledge of the bed (which has resulted in artefacts associated with the interpolation method), intrinsic errors associated with the simplified modelling approach and because thousands of subglacial lakes, particularly smaller ones, remain to be found. Applying the same modelling approach to the Greenland Ice Sheet predicts only 90 lakes under the present-day ice-sheet configuration, covering 0.2% of the bed. The paucity of subglacial lakes in Greenland is thought to be a function of steeper overall ice-surface gradients. As no lakes have currently been located under Greenland, model predictions will make suitable targets for radar surveys of Greenland to identify subglacial lakes. During deglaciation from the Last Glacial Maximum both ice sheets had more subglacial lakes at their beds, though many of these lakes have persisted to present conditions. These lakes, inherited from past ice-sheet configurations would not form under current surface conditions, suggesting a retreating ice-sheet will have many more subglacial lakes than an advancing ice sheet. This hysteresis effect has implications for ice-stream formation and flow, bed lubrication and meltwater drainage. The lake model also allows modelling of the drainage pathways of the present-day and former Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Significantly, key sectors of the ice sheets, such as the Siple Coast (Antarctica) and NE Greenland Ice Stream system, are shown to have been susceptible to drainage switches and capture by neighbouring networks during deglaciation thus far.
6
Grigoryan, S. S., S. A. Buyanov, M. S. Krass, and P. A. Shumskiy. "The Mathematical Model of Ice Sheets and the Calculation of the Evolution of the Greenland Ice Sheet." Journal of Glaciology 31, no. 109 (1985): 281–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000006614.
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AbstractAn evolutionary mathematical model of ice sheets is presented. The model takes into account the basic climatic and geophysical parameters, with temperature parameterization. Some numerical data derived from experiments on the Greenland ice sheet are received. At present the Greenland ice sheet is found to be in a state essentially different from a stationary one corresponding to modern climatic conditions.
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Grigoryan, S. S., S. A. Buyanov, M. S. Krass, and P. A. Shumskiy. "The Mathematical Model of Ice Sheets and the Calculation of the Evolution of the Greenland Ice Sheet." Journal of Glaciology 31, no. 109 (1985): 281–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/s0022143000006614.
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AbstractAn evolutionary mathematical model of ice sheets is presented. The model takes into account the basic climatic and geophysical parameters, with temperature parameterization. Some numerical data derived from experiments on the Greenland ice sheet are received. At present the Greenland ice sheet is found to be in a state essentially different from a stationary one corresponding to modern climatic conditions.
8
Koenig, S. J., A. M. Dolan, B. de Boer, et al. "Greenland Ice Sheet sensitivity and sea level contribution in the mid-Pliocene warm period – Pliocene Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project PLISMIP." Climate of the Past Discussions 10, no. 4 (2014): 2821–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/cpd-10-2821-2014.
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Abstract. The understanding of the nature and behavior of ice sheets in past warm periods is important to constrain the potential impacts of future climate change. The mid-Pliocene Warm Period (2.97 to 3.29 Ma) has global temperatures similar to those projected for future climates, nevertheless Pliocene ice locations and extents are still poorly constrained. We present results from the efforts to simulate mid-Pliocene Greenland ice sheets by means of the international Pliocene Ice Sheet Modeling Intercomparison Project (PLISMIP). We compare the performance of existing numerical ice sheet models in simulating modern control and mid-Pliocene ice sheets by a suite of sensitivity experiments guided by available proxy records. We quantify equilibrated ice sheet volume on Greenland, identifying a potential range in sea level contributions from warm Pliocene scenarios. A series of statistical measures are performed to quantify the confidence of simulations with focus on inter-model and inter-scenario differences. We find that Pliocene Greenland ice sheets are less sensitive to differences in ice sheet model configurations and internal physical quantities, than to changes in imposed climate forcing. We conclude that Pliocene ice was most likely to be limited to highest elevations in East and South as simulated with the highest confidence and by synthesizing available regional proxies, although extents of those ice caps need to be further constrained by using a range of GCM climate forcings.
9
Babonis, G. S., B. Csatho, and T. Schenk. "MASS BALANCE CHANGES AND ICE DYNAMICS OF GREENLAND AND ANTARCTIC ICE SHEETS FROM LASER ALTIMETRY." ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences XLI-B8 (June 23, 2016): 481–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-xli-b8-481-2016.
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During the past few decades the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have lost ice at accelerating rates, caused by increasing surface temperature. The melting of the two big ice sheets has a big impact on global sea level rise. If the ice sheets would melt down entirely, the sea level would rise more than 60 m. Even a much smaller rise would cause dramatic damage along coastal regions. In this paper we report about a major upgrade of surface elevation changes derived from laser altimetry data, acquired by NASA’s Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite mission (ICESat) and airborne laser campaigns, such as Airborne Topographic Mapper (ATM) and Land, Vegetation and Ice Sensor (LVIS). For detecting changes in ice sheet elevations we have developed the Surface Elevation Reconstruction And Change detection (SERAC) method. It computes elevation changes of small surface patches by keeping the surface shape constant and considering the absolute values as surface elevations. We report about important upgrades of earlier results, for example the inclusion of local ice caps and the temporal extension from 1993 to 2014 for the Greenland Ice Sheet and for a comprehensive reconstruction of ice thickness and mass changes for the Antarctic Ice Sheets.
10
Babonis, G. S., B. Csatho, and T. Schenk. "MASS BALANCE CHANGES AND ICE DYNAMICS OF GREENLAND AND ANTARCTIC ICE SHEETS FROM LASER ALTIMETRY." ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences XLI-B8 (June 23, 2016): 481–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprsarchives-xli-b8-481-2016.
Full textAbstract:
During the past few decades the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have lost ice at accelerating rates, caused by increasing surface temperature. The melting of the two big ice sheets has a big impact on global sea level rise. If the ice sheets would melt down entirely, the sea level would rise more than 60 m. Even a much smaller rise would cause dramatic damage along coastal regions. In this paper we report about a major upgrade of surface elevation changes derived from laser altimetry data, acquired by NASA’s Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite mission (ICESat) and airborne laser campaigns, such as Airborne Topographic Mapper (ATM) and Land, Vegetation and Ice Sensor (LVIS). For detecting changes in ice sheet elevations we have developed the Surface Elevation Reconstruction And Change detection (SERAC) method. It computes elevation changes of small surface patches by keeping the surface shape constant and considering the absolute values as surface elevations. We report about important upgrades of earlier results, for example the inclusion of local ice caps and the temporal extension from 1993 to 2014 for the Greenland Ice Sheet and for a comprehensive reconstruction of ice thickness and mass changes for the Antarctic Ice Sheets.
11
Goelzer, Heiko, Sophie Nowicki, Tamsin Edwards, et al. "Design and results of the ice sheet model initialisation experiments initMIP-Greenland: an ISMIP6 intercomparison." Cryosphere 12, no. 4 (2018): 1433–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1433-2018.
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Abstract. Earlier large-scale Greenland ice sheet sea-level projections (e.g. those run during the ice2sea and SeaRISE initiatives) have shown that ice sheet initial conditions have a large effect on the projections and give rise to important uncertainties. The goal of this initMIP-Greenland intercomparison exercise is to compare, evaluate, and improve the initialisation techniques used in the ice sheet modelling community and to estimate the associated uncertainties in modelled mass changes. initMIP-Greenland is the first in a series of ice sheet model intercomparison activities within ISMIP6 (the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP6), which is the primary activity within the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) focusing on the ice sheets. Two experiments for the large-scale Greenland ice sheet have been designed to allow intercomparison between participating models of (1) the initial present-day state of the ice sheet and (2) the response in two idealised forward experiments. The forward experiments serve to evaluate the initialisation in terms of model drift (forward run without additional forcing) and in response to a large perturbation (prescribed surface mass balance anomaly); they should not be interpreted as sea-level projections. We present and discuss results that highlight the diversity of data sets, boundary conditions, and initialisation techniques used in the community to generate initial states of the Greenland ice sheet. We find good agreement across the ensemble for the dynamic response to surface mass balance changes in areas where the simulated ice sheets overlap but differences arising from the initial size of the ice sheet. The model drift in the control experiment is reduced for models that participated in earlier intercomparison exercises.
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Applegate, P. J., N. Kirchner, E. J. Stone, K. Keller, and R. Greve. "Preliminary assessment of model parametric uncertainty in projections of Greenland Ice Sheet behavior." Cryosphere Discussions 5, no. 6 (2011): 3175–205. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tcd-5-3175-2011.
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Abstract. Lack of knowledge about the values of ice sheet model input parameters introduces substantial uncertainty into projections of Greenland Ice Sheet contributions to future sea level rise. Computer models of ice sheet behavior provide one of several means of estimating future sea level rise due to mass loss from ice sheets. Such models have many input parameters whose values are not well known. Recent studies have investigated the effects of these parameters on model output, but the range of potential future sea level increases due to model parametric uncertainty has not been characterized. Here, we demonstrate that this range is large, using a 100-member perturbed-physics ensemble with the SICOPOLIS ice sheet model. Each model run is spun up over 125 000 yr using geological forcings, and subsequently driven into the future using an asymptotically increasing air temperature anomaly curve. All modeled ice sheets lose mass after 2005 AD. After culling the ensemble to include only members that give reasonable ice volumes in 2005 AD, the range of projected sea level rise values in 2100 AD is 30 % or more of the median. Data on past ice sheet behavior can help reduce this uncertainty, but none of our ensemble members produces a reasonable ice volume change during the mid-Holocene, relative to the present. This problem suggests that the model's exponential relation between temperature and precipitation does not hold during the Holocene, or that the central-Greenland temperature forcing curve used to drive the model is not representative of conditions around the ice margin at this time (among other possibilities). Our simulations also lack certain observed physical processes that may tend to enhance the real ice sheet's response. Regardless, this work has implications for other studies that use ice sheet models to project or hindcast the behavior of the Greenland ice sheet.
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Wolff, Eric W. "Ice sheets and nitrogen." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 368, no. 1621 (2013): 20130127. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2013.0127.
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Snow and ice play their most important role in the nitrogen cycle as a barrier to land–atmosphere and ocean–atmosphere exchanges that would otherwise occur. The inventory of nitrogen compounds in the polar ice sheets is approximately 260 Tg N, dominated by nitrate in the much larger Antarctic ice sheet. Ice cores help to inform us about the natural variability of the nitrogen cycle at global and regional scale, and about the extent of disturbance in recent decades. Nitrous oxide concentrations have risen about 20 per cent in the last 200 years and are now almost certainly higher than at any time in the last 800 000 years. Nitrate concentrations recorded in Greenland ice rose by a factor of 2–3, particularly between the 1950s and 1980s, reflecting a major change in NO x emissions reaching the background atmosphere. Increases in ice cores drilled at lower latitudes can be used to validate or constrain regional emission inventories. Background ammonium concentrations in Greenland ice show no significant recent trend, although the record is very noisy, being dominated by spikes of input from biomass burning events. Neither nitrate nor ammonium shows significant recent trends in Antarctica, although their natural variations are of biogeochemical and atmospheric chemical interest. Finally, it has been found that photolysis of nitrate in the snowpack leads to significant re-emissions of NO x that can strongly impact the regional atmosphere in snow-covered areas.
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Reeh, Niels, Hans Oerter, and Henrik Højmark Thomsen. "Comparison between Greenland ice-margin and ice-core oxygen-18 records." Annals of Glaciology 35 (2002): 136–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/172756402781817365.
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AbstractOld ice for palaeoenvironmental studies retrieved by deep core drilling in the central regions of the large ice sheets can also be retrieved from the ice-sheet margins. the δ18O content of the surface ice was studied at 15 different Greenland ice-margin locations. At some locations, two or more records were obtained along closely spaced parallel sampling profiles, showing good reproducibility of the records. We present ice-margin δ18O records reaching back to the Pleistocene. Many of the characteristic δ18O variations known from Greenland deep ice cores can be recognized, allowing an approximate time-scale to be established along the ice-margin records. A flowline model is used to determine the location on the ice sheet where the margin ice was originally deposited as snow. the Pleistocene–Holocene δ18O change at the deposition sites is determined by comparing the δ18O values in the ice-margin record to the present δ18O values of the surface snow at the deposition sites. on the northern slope of the Greenland ice sheet, the Pleistocene–Holocene δ18O change is about 10‰ in contrast to a change of 6–7‰ at locations near the central ice divide. This is in accordance with deep ice-core results. We conclude that δ18O records measured on ice from the Greenland ice-sheet margin provide useful information about past climate and dynamics of the ice sheet, and thus are important (and cheap) supplements to deep ice-core records.
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Mikkelsen, Troels Bøgeholm, Aslak Grinsted, and Peter Ditlevsen. "Influence of temperature fluctuations on equilibrium ice sheet volume." Cryosphere 12, no. 1 (2018): 39–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-39-2018.
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Abstract. Forecasting the future sea level relies on accurate modeling of the response of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets to changing temperatures. The surface mass balance (SMB) of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) has a nonlinear response to warming. Cold and warm anomalies of equal size do not cancel out and it is therefore important to consider the effect of interannual fluctuations in temperature. We find that the steady-state volume of an ice sheet is biased toward larger size if interannual temperature fluctuations are not taken into account in numerical modeling of the ice sheet. We illustrate this in a simple ice sheet model and find that the equilibrium ice volume is approximately 1 m SLE (meters sea level equivalent) smaller when the simple model is forced with fluctuating temperatures as opposed to a stable climate. It is therefore important to consider the effect of interannual temperature fluctuations when designing long experiments such as paleo-spin-ups. We show how the magnitude of the potential bias can be quantified statistically. For recent simulations of the Greenland Ice Sheet, we estimate the bias to be 30 Gt yr−1 (24–59 Gt yr−1, 95 % credibility) for a warming of 3 °C above preindustrial values, or 13 % (10–25, 95 % credibility) of the present-day rate of ice loss. Models of the Greenland Ice Sheet show a collapse threshold beyond which the ice sheet becomes unsustainable. The proximity of the threshold will be underestimated if temperature fluctuations are not taken into account. We estimate the bias to be 0.12 °C (0.10–0.18 °C, 95 % credibility) for a recent estimate of the threshold. In light of our findings it is important to gauge the extent to which this increased variability will influence the mass balance of the ice sheets.
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Henriksen, N. "Eastern North Greenland 1993-1995 - a new 1:500 000 mapping project." Rapport Grønlands Geologiske Undersøgelse 160 (January 1, 1994): 47–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.34194/rapggu.v160.8230.
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The Geological Survey of Greenland (GGU) initiated in 1964 a 1:500000 mapping programme to produce a general overview of the onshore geology of all the ice-free areas of Greenland. So far 10 of a total of 14 planned map sheets have been published, and one additional sheet for which field work has been completed is under compilation. Most of Greenland is therefore now covered by map sheets of this series and only three areas remain to be covered: in North-West Greenland (sheet 6), in eastern North Greenland (sheet 9) and in East Greenland (sheet 11). Eastern North Greenland (map sheet no. 9; Fig. 1) is the target of the present project, with planned field work from 1993–1995. The first season (1993) was used for logistical preparation and geological reconnaissance in advance of the more intensive field work in the two following seasons (1994–95).
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MacFerrin, Michael J., C. Max Stevens, Baptiste Vandecrux, Edwin D. Waddington, and Waleed Abdalati. "The Greenland Firn Compaction Verification and Reconnaissance (FirnCover) dataset, 2013–2019." Earth System Science Data 14, no. 2 (2022): 955–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-955-2022.
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Abstract. Assessing changes in the density of snow and firn is vital to convert volume changes into mass changes on glaciers and ice sheets. Firn models simulate this process but typically rely upon steady-state assumptions and geographically and temporally limited sets of field measurements for validation. Given rapid changes recently observed in Greenland's surface mass balance, a contemporary dataset measuring firn compaction in a range of climate zones across the Greenland ice sheet's accumulation zone is needed. To fill this need, the Firn Compaction Verification and Reconnaissance (FirnCover) dataset comprises daily measurements from 48 strainmeters installed in boreholes at eight sites on the Greenland ice sheet between 2013 and 2019. The dataset also includes daily records of 2 m air temperature, snow height, and firn temperature from each station. The majority of the FirnCover stations were installed in close proximity to automated weather stations that measure a wider suite of meteorological measurements, allowing the user access to auxiliary datasets for model validation studies using FirnCover data. The dataset can be found here: https://doi.org/10.18739/A25X25D7M (MacFerrin et al., 2021).
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Jones, A. S. "Isotope Ratios of Large Ice Masses." Journal of Glaciology 31, no. 109 (1985): 372–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000006742.
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AbstractA model is proposed for determining the relative proportions of16O and18O in large ice sheets. Values calculated using this model are in agreement with published values for Antarctica and Greenland. It is intended to use the model for comparisons between the known ocean isotopie records and postulated ice-sheet masses during the last ice age.
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Berends, Constantijn J., Bas de Boer, and Roderik S. W. van de Wal. "Application of HadCM3@Bristolv1.0 simulations of paleoclimate as forcing for an ice-sheet model, ANICE2.1: set-up and benchmark experiments." Geoscientific Model Development 11, no. 11 (2018): 4657–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/gmd-11-4657-2018.
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Abstract. Fully coupled ice-sheet–climate modelling over 10 000–100 000-year timescales at high spatial and temporal resolution remains beyond the capability of current computational systems. Forcing an ice-sheet model with precalculated output from a general circulation model (GCM) offers a middle ground, balancing the need to accurately capture both long-term processes, in particular circulation-driven changes in precipitation, and processes requiring a high spatial resolution like ablation. Here, we present and evaluate a model set-up that forces the ANICE 3-D thermodynamic ice-sheet–shelf model calculating the four large continental ice sheets (Antarctica, Greenland, North America, and Eurasia) with precalculated output from two steady-state simulations with the HadCM3 (GCM) using a so-called matrix method of coupling both components, whereby simulations with various levels of pCO2 and ice-sheet configuration are combined to form a time-continuous transient climate forcing consistent with the modelled ice sheets. We address the difficulties in downscaling low-resolution GCM output to the higher-resolution grid of an ice-sheet model and account for differences between GCM and ice-sheet model surface topography ranging from interglacial to glacial conditions. Although the approach presented here can be applied to a matrix with any number of GCM snapshots, we limited our experiments to a matrix of only two snapshots. As a benchmark experiment to assess the validity of this model set-up, we perform a simulation of the entire last glacial cycle from 120 kyr ago to present day. The simulated eustatic sea-level drop at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) for the combined Antarctic, Greenland, Eurasian, and North American ice sheets amounts to 100 m, in line with many other studies. The simulated ice sheets at the LGM agree well with the ICE-5G reconstruction and the more recent DATED-1 reconstruction in terms of total volume and geographical location of the ice sheets. Moreover, modelled benthic oxygen isotope abundance and the relative contributions from global ice volume and deep-water temperature agree well with available data, as do surface temperature histories for the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. This model strategy can be used to create time-continuous ice-sheet distribution and sea-level reconstructions for geological periods up to several million years in duration, capturing climate-model-driven variations in the mass balance of the ice sheet.
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Jones, A. S. "Isotope Ratios of Large Ice Masses." Journal of Glaciology 31, no. 109 (1985): 372–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/s0022143000006742.
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AbstractA model is proposed for determining the relative proportions of 16O and 18O in large ice sheets. Values calculated using this model are in agreement with published values for Antarctica and Greenland. It is intended to use the model for comparisons between the known ocean isotopie records and postulated ice-sheet masses during the last ice age.
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Reeh, N., H. H. Thomsen, and C. E. Bøggild. "Palaeo-environmental studies on the Greenland ice sheet margin." Rapport Grønlands Geologiske Undersøgelse 159 (January 1, 1993): 66–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.34194/rapggu.v159.8211.
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Oxygen 18 isotope studies (δ18O) of ice from the large ice sheets of the Polar regions have given rich information about climate and environmental changes during the past c. 150 000 years (150 ka), and probably much longer. This has been demonstrated by results from the deep ice-core drilling programmes on the central part of the Greenland Inland Ice (e.g. Dansgaard et al., 1982; Johnsen et al., 1992) and Antarctica (Lorius et al., 1985; Kouzel et al., 1987). However, the old ice found at depth in the central regions of the ice sheets can also be sampled and studied at the surface of the ice sheet margins, where ice of different ages is found in a sequence with the oldest ice nearest to the ice edge (Loirus & Merlivat, 1977; Reeh et al., 1987, 1991). Oxygen isotope climate research of this kind was undertaken in 1985 and 1988 at Paakitsoq near Ilulissat/Jakobshavn, West Greenland. These studies were continued and elaborated in 1992.
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Dolan, A. M., S. J. Hunter, D. J. Hill, et al. "Using results from the PlioMIP ensemble to investigate the Greenland Ice Sheet during the warm Pliocene." Climate of the Past Discussions 10, no. 4 (2014): 3483–535. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/cpd-10-3483-2014.
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Abstract. During the mid-Pliocene Warm Period (3.264 to 3.025 million years ago), global mean temperature was similar to that predicted for the end of this century, and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations were higher than pre-industrial levels. Sea level was also higher than today, implying a significant reduction in the extent of the ice sheets. Thus, the mid-Pliocene Warm Period provides a natural laboratory in which to investigate the long-term response of the Earth's ice sheets and sea level in a warmer-than-modern world. At present, our understanding of the Greenland ice sheet during the warmest intervals of the mid-Pliocene is generally based upon predictions using single climate and ice sheet models. Therefore, it is essential that the model dependency of these results is assessed. The Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP) has brought together nine international modelling groups to simulate the warm climate of the Pliocene. Here we use the climatological fields derived from the results of the PlioMIP climate models to force an offline ice sheet model. We show Pliocene ice sheet reconstructions are highly dependent upon the forcing climatology used, with Greenland reconstructions ranging from an ice-free state to a near modern ice sheet. An analysis of surface albedo differences between the climate models over Greenland offers insights into the drivers of inter-model differences. As we demonstrate that the climate model dependency of our results is high, we highlight the necessity of data-based constraints in developing our understanding of the Pliocene Greenland ice sheet.
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Quiquet, A., C. Ritz, H. J. Punge, and D. Salas y Mélia. "Greenland ice sheet contribution to sea level rise during the last interglacial period: a modelling study driven and constrained by ice core data." Climate of the Past 9, no. 1 (2013): 353–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/cp-9-353-2013.
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Abstract. As pointed out by the forth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC-AR4 (Meehl et al., 2007), the contribution of the two major ice sheets, Antarctica and Greenland, to global sea level rise, is a subject of key importance for the scientific community. By the end of the next century, a 3–5 °C warming is expected in Greenland. Similar temperatures in this region were reached during the last interglacial (LIG) period, 130–115 ka BP, due to a change in orbital configuration rather than to an anthropogenic forcing. Ice core evidence suggests that the Greenland ice sheet (GIS) survived this warm period, but great uncertainties remain about the total Greenland ice reduction during the LIG. Here we perform long-term simulations of the GIS using an improved ice sheet model. Both the methodologies chosen to reconstruct palaeoclimate and to calibrate the model are strongly based on proxy data. We suggest a relatively low contribution to LIG sea level rise from Greenland melting, ranging from 0.7 to 1.5 m of sea level equivalent, contrasting with previous studies. Our results suggest an important contribution of the Antarctic ice sheet to the LIG highstand.
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Fyke, J. G., W. J. Sacks, and W. H. Lipscomb. "A technique for generating consistent ice sheet initial conditions for coupled ice-sheet/climate models." Geoscientific Model Development Discussions 6, no. 2 (2013): 2491–516. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/gmdd-6-2491-2013.
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Abstract. A new technique for generating ice sheet preindustrial 1850 initial conditions for coupled ice-sheet/climate models is developed and demonstrated over the Greenland Ice Sheet using the Community Earth System Model (CESM). Paleoclimate end-member simulations and ice core data are used to derive continuous surface mass balance fields which are used to force a long transient ice sheet model simulation. The procedure accounts for the evolution of climate through the last glacial period and converges to a simulated preindustrial 1850 ice sheet that is geometrically and thermodynamically consistent with the 1850 preindustrial simulated CESM state, yet contains a transient memory of past climate that compares well to observations and independent model studies. This allows future coupled ice-sheet/climate projections of climate change that include ice sheets to integrate the effect of past climate conditions on the state of the Greenland Ice Sheet, while maintaining system-wide continuity between past and future climate simulations.
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Applegate, P. J., N. Kirchner, E. J. Stone, K. Keller, and R. Greve. "An assessment of key model parametric uncertainties in projections of Greenland Ice Sheet behavior." Cryosphere 6, no. 3 (2012): 589–606. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tc-6-589-2012.
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Abstract. Lack of knowledge about the values of ice sheet model input parameters introduces substantial uncertainty into projections of Greenland Ice Sheet contributions to future sea level rise. Computer models of ice sheet behavior provide one of several means of estimating future sea level rise due to mass loss from ice sheets. Such models have many input parameters whose values are not well known. Recent studies have investigated the effects of these parameters on model output, but the range of potential future sea level increases due to model parametric uncertainty has not been characterized. Here, we demonstrate that this range is large, using a 100-member perturbed-physics ensemble with the SICOPOLIS ice sheet model. Each model run is spun up over 125 000 yr using geological forcings and subsequently driven into the future using an asymptotically increasing air temperature anomaly curve. All modeled ice sheets lose mass after 2005 AD. Parameters controlling surface melt dominate the model response to temperature change. After culling the ensemble to include only members that give reasonable ice volumes in 2005 AD, the range of projected sea level rise values in 2100 AD is ~40 % or more of the median. Data on past ice sheet behavior can help reduce this uncertainty, but none of our ensemble members produces a reasonable ice volume change during the mid-Holocene, relative to the present. This problem suggests that the model's exponential relation between temperature and precipitation does not hold during the Holocene, or that the central-Greenland temperature forcing curve used to drive the model is not representative of conditions around the ice margin at this time (among other possibilities). Our simulations also lack certain observed physical processes that may tend to enhance the real ice sheet's response. Regardless, this work has implications for other studies that use ice sheet models to project or hindcast the behavior of the Greenland Ice Sheet.
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Nowicki, Sophie M. J., Anthony Payne, Eric Larour, et al. "Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project (ISMIP6) contribution to CMIP6." Geoscientific Model Development 9, no. 12 (2016): 4521–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/gmd-9-4521-2016.
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Abstract. Reducing the uncertainty in the past, present, and future contribution of ice sheets to sea-level change requires a coordinated effort between the climate and glaciology communities. The Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP6 (ISMIP6) is the primary activity within the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project – phase 6 (CMIP6) focusing on the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. In this paper, we describe the framework for ISMIP6 and its relationship with other activities within CMIP6. The ISMIP6 experimental design relies on CMIP6 climate models and includes, for the first time within CMIP, coupled ice-sheet–climate models as well as standalone ice-sheet models. To facilitate analysis of the multi-model ensemble and to generate a set of standard climate inputs for standalone ice-sheet models, ISMIP6 defines a protocol for all variables related to ice sheets. ISMIP6 will provide a basis for investigating the feedbacks, impacts, and sea-level changes associated with dynamic ice sheets and for quantifying the uncertainty in ice-sheet-sourced global sea-level change.
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Quiquet, A., H. J. Punge, C. Ritz, et al. "Sensitivity of a Greenland ice sheet model to atmospheric forcing fields." Cryosphere 6, no. 5 (2012): 999–1018. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tc-6-999-2012.
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Abstract. Predicting the climate for the future and how it will impact ice sheet evolution requires coupling ice sheet models with climate models. However, before we attempt to develop a realistic coupled setup, we propose, in this study, to first analyse the impact of a model simulated climate on an ice sheet. We undertake this exercise for a set of regional and global climate models. Modelled near surface air temperature and precipitation are provided as upper boundary conditions to the GRISLI (GRenoble Ice Shelf and Land Ice model) hybrid ice sheet model (ISM) in its Greenland configuration. After 20 kyrs of simulation, the resulting ice sheets highlight the differences between the climate models. While modelled ice sheet sizes are generally comparable to the observed one, there are considerable deviations among the ice sheets on regional scales. These deviations can be explained by biases in temperature and precipitation near the coast. This is especially true in the case of global models. But the deviations between the climate models are also due to the differences in the atmospheric general circulation. To account for these differences in the context of coupling ice sheet models with climate models, we conclude that appropriate downscaling methods will be needed. In some cases, systematic corrections of the climatic variables at the interface may be required to obtain realistic results for the Greenland ice sheet (GIS).
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Quiquet, A., H. J. Punge, C. Ritz, et al. "Large sensitivity of a Greenland ice sheet model to atmospheric forcing fields." Cryosphere Discussions 6, no. 2 (2012): 1037–83. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tcd-6-1037-2012.
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Abstract. The prediction of future climate and ice sheet evolution requires coupling of ice sheet and climate models. Before proceeding to a coupled setup, we propose to analyze the impact of model simulated climate on an ice sheet. Here, we undertake this exercise for a set of regional and global climate models. Modelled near surface air temperature and precipitation are provided as upper boundary condition to the GRISLI (GRenoble Ice Shelf and Land Ice model) hybrid ice sheet model (ISM) in its Greenland configuration. After 20 kyr of simulation, the resulting ice sheets highlight the differences between the climate models. While modelled ice sheet sizes are generally comparable to the observed ones, there are considerable deviations among the ice sheets on regional scales. These can be explained by difficulties in modelling local temperature and precipitation near the coast. This is especially true in the case of global models. But the deviations of each climate model are also due to the differences in the atmospheric general circulation. In the context of coupling ice sheet and climate models, we conclude that appropriate downscaling methods will be needed and systematic corrections of the climatic variables at the interface may be required in some cases to obtain realistic results for the Greenland ice sheet (GIS).
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Slater, Thomas, Isobel R. Lawrence, Inès N. Otosaka, et al. "Review article: Earth's ice imbalance." Cryosphere 15, no. 1 (2021): 233–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-233-2021.
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Abstract. We combine satellite observations and numerical models to show that Earth lost 28 trillion tonnes of ice between 1994 and 2017. Arctic sea ice (7.6 trillion tonnes), Antarctic ice shelves (6.5 trillion tonnes), mountain glaciers (6.1 trillion tonnes), the Greenland ice sheet (3.8 trillion tonnes), the Antarctic ice sheet (2.5 trillion tonnes), and Southern Ocean sea ice (0.9 trillion tonnes) have all decreased in mass. Just over half (58 %) of the ice loss was from the Northern Hemisphere, and the remainder (42 %) was from the Southern Hemisphere. The rate of ice loss has risen by 57 % since the 1990s – from 0.8 to 1.2 trillion tonnes per year – owing to increased losses from mountain glaciers, Antarctica, Greenland and from Antarctic ice shelves. During the same period, the loss of grounded ice from the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets and mountain glaciers raised the global sea level by 34.6 ± 3.1 mm. The majority of all ice losses were driven by atmospheric melting (68 % from Arctic sea ice, mountain glaciers ice shelf calving and ice sheet surface mass balance), with the remaining losses (32 % from ice sheet discharge and ice shelf thinning) being driven by oceanic melting. Altogether, these elements of the cryosphere have taken up 3.2 % of the global energy imbalance.
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Dolan, A. M., S. J. Hunter, D. J. Hill, et al. "Using results from the PlioMIP ensemble to investigate the Greenland Ice Sheet during the mid-Pliocene Warm Period." Climate of the Past 11, no. 3 (2015): 403–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/cp-11-403-2015.
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Abstract. During an interval of the Late Pliocene, referred to here as the mid-Pliocene Warm Period (mPWP; 3.264 to 3.025 million years ago), global mean temperature was similar to that predicted for the end of this century, and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations were higher than pre-industrial levels. Sea level was also higher than today, implying a significant reduction in the extent of the ice sheets. Thus, the mPWP provides a natural laboratory in which to investigate the long-term response of the Earth's ice sheets and sea level in a warmer-than-present-day world. At present, our understanding of the Greenland ice sheet during the mPWP is generally based upon predictions using single climate and ice sheet models. Therefore, it is essential that the model dependency of these results is assessed. The Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP) has brought together nine international modelling groups to simulate the warm climate of the Pliocene. Here we use the climatological fields derived from the results of the 15 PlioMIP climate models to force an offline ice sheet model. We show that mPWP ice sheet reconstructions are highly dependent upon the forcing climatology used, with Greenland reconstructions ranging from an ice-free state to a near-modern ice sheet. An analysis of the surface albedo variability between the climate models over Greenland offers insights into the drivers of inter-model differences. As we demonstrate that the climate model dependency of our results is high, we highlight the necessity of data-based constraints of ice extent in developing our understanding of the mPWP Greenland ice sheet.
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Seddik, Hakime, Ralf Greve, Thomas Zwinger, Fabien Gillet-Chaulet, and Olivier Gagliardini. "Simulations of the Greenland ice sheet 100 years into the future with the full Stokes model Elmer/Ice." Journal of Glaciology 58, no. 209 (2012): 427–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/2012jog11j177.
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AbstractIt is likely that climate change will have a significant impact on the mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet, contributing to future sea-level rise. Here we present the implementation of the full Stokes model Elmer/Ice for the Greenland ice sheet, which includes a mesh refinement technique in order to resolve fast-flowing ice streams and outlet glaciers. We discuss simulations 100 years into the future, forced by scenarios defined by the SeaRISE (Sea-level Response to Ice Sheet Evolution) community effort. For comparison, the same experiments are also run with the shallow-ice model SICOPOLIS (SImulation COde for POLythermal Ice Sheets). We find that Elmer/Ice is ~43% more sensitive (exhibits a larger loss of ice-sheet volume relative to the control run) than SICOPOLIS for the ice-dynamic scenario (doubled basal sliding), but ~61 % less sensitive for the direct global warming scenario (based on the A1 B moderate-emission scenario for greenhouse gases). The scenario with combined A1B global warming and doubled basal sliding forcing produces a Greenland contribution to sea-level rise of ~15cm for Elmer/Ice and ~12cm for SICOPOLIS over the next 100 years.
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Joughin, Ian, Dale Winebrenner, Mark Fahnestock, Ron Kwok, and William Krabill. "Measurement of ice-sheet topography using satellite-radar interferometry." Journal of Glaciology 42, no. 140 (1996): 10–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000030483.
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Abstract Detailed digital elevation models (DEMs) do not exist for much of the Greenland and Antartic ice sheets. Radar altimetry is at present the primary, in many cases the only, source of topographic data over the ice sheets, but the horizontal resolution of such data is coarse. Satellite-radar interferometry uses the phase difference between pairs of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images to measure both ice-sheet topography and surface displacement. We have applied this technique using ERS-1 SAR data to make detailed (i.e. 80 m horizontal resolution) maps of surface topography in a 100 km by 300 km strip in West Greenland, extending northward from just above Jakobshavns Isbræ. Comparison with а 76 km long line of airborne laser-altimeter data shows that We have achieved a relative accuracy of 2.5 m along the profile. These observations provide a detailed view of dynamically Supported topography near the margin of an ice sheet. In the final section We compare our estimate of topography with phase contours due to motion, and confirm our earlier analysis concerning vertical ice-sheet motion and complexity in ERS-1 SAR interferograms.
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Joughin, Ian, Dale Winebrenner, Mark Fahnestock, Ron Kwok, and William Krabill. "Measurement of ice-sheet topography using satellite-radar interferometry." Journal of Glaciology 42, no. 140 (1996): 10–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/s0022143000030483.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractDetailed digital elevation models (DEMs) do not exist for much of the Greenland and Antartic ice sheets. Radar altimetry is at present the primary, in many cases the only, source of topographic data over the ice sheets, but the horizontal resolution of such data is coarse. Satellite-radar interferometry uses the phase difference between pairs of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images to measure both ice-sheet topography and surface displacement. We have applied this technique using ERS-1 SAR data to make detailed (i.e. 80 m horizontal resolution) maps of surface topography in a 100 km by 300 km strip in West Greenland, extending northward from just above Jakobshavns Isbræ. Comparison with а 76 km long line of airborne laser-altimeter data shows that We have achieved a relative accuracy of 2.5 m along the profile. These observations provide a detailed view of dynamically Supported topography near the margin of an ice sheet. In the final section We compare our estimate of topography with phase contours due to motion, and confirm our earlier analysis concerning vertical ice-sheet motion and complexity in ERS-1 SAR interferograms.
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Quiquet, A., C. Ritz, H. J. Punge, and D. Salas y Mélia. "Contribution of Greenland ice sheet melting to sea level rise during the last interglacial period: an approach combining ice sheet modelling and proxy data." Climate of the Past Discussions 8, no. 4 (2012): 3345–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/cpd-8-3345-2012.
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Abstract. In the context of global warming, the contribution of the two major ice sheets, Antarctica and Greenland, to global sea level rise is a subject of key importance for the scientific community (4th assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on climate change, IPCC-AR4, Meehl et al., 2007). By the end of the next century, a 3–5 °C warm up is expected in Greenland. Similar temperatures in this region were reached during the last interglacial (LIG) period due to a change in orbital configuration rather than to anthropogenic forcing. Ice core evidence suggests that the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) has survived this warm period but great uncertainties remain about the total Greenland ice reduction during the LIG and its sea level rise contribution. In order to improve our confidence in future state projections, we first intend to reconstruct the past states of the GIS using ice sheet modelling, and confront the simulations with paleo data. The chosen methodoly of paleoclimate reconstruction is strongly based on proxy data. Proxy data are also used to constrain the ice sheet model during the calibration phase. Our estimates of Greenland melting contribution to sea level rise during the LIG period range from 0.65 to 1.5 m of sea level equivalent.
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Landais, Amaelle, Valérie Masson-Delmotte, Emilie Capron, et al. "How warm was Greenland during the last interglacial period?" Climate of the Past 12, no. 9 (2016): 1933–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/cp-12-1933-2016.
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Abstract. The last interglacial period (LIG, ∼ 129–116 thousand years ago) provides the most recent case study of multimillennial polar warming above the preindustrial level and a response of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets to this warming, as well as a test bed for climate and ice sheet models. Past changes in Greenland ice sheet thickness and surface temperature during this period were recently derived from the North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling (NEEM) ice core records, northwest Greenland. The NEEM paradox has emerged from an estimated large local warming above the preindustrial level (7.5 ± 1.8 °C at the deposition site 126 kyr ago without correction for any overall ice sheet altitude changes between the LIG and the preindustrial period) based on water isotopes, together with limited local ice thinning, suggesting more resilience of the real Greenland ice sheet than shown in some ice sheet models. Here, we provide an independent assessment of the average LIG Greenland surface warming using ice core air isotopic composition (δ15N) and relationships between accumulation rate and temperature. The LIG surface temperature at the upstream NEEM deposition site without ice sheet altitude correction is estimated to be warmer by +8.5 ± 2.5 °C compared to the preindustrial period. This temperature estimate is consistent with the 7.5 ± 1.8 °C warming initially determined from NEEM water isotopes but at the upper end of the preindustrial period to LIG temperature difference of +5.2 ± 2.3 °C obtained at the NGRIP (North Greenland Ice Core Project) site by the same method. Climate simulations performed with present-day ice sheet topography lead in general to a warming smaller than reconstructed, but sensitivity tests show that larger amplitudes (up to 5 °C) are produced in response to prescribed changes in sea ice extent and ice sheet topography.
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Medley, Brooke, Thomas A. Neumann, H. Jay Zwally, Benjamin E. Smith, and C. Max Stevens. "Simulations of firn processes over the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets: 1980–2021." Cryosphere 16, no. 10 (2022): 3971–4011. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3971-2022.
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Abstract. Conversion of altimetry-derived ice-sheet volume change to mass requires an understanding of the evolution of the combined ice and air content within the firn column. In the absence of suitable techniques to observe the changes to the firn column across the entirety of an ice sheet, the firn column processes are typically modeled. Here, we present new simulations of firn processes over the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets (GrIS and AIS) using the Community Firn Model and atmospheric reanalysis variables for more than four decades. A data set of more than 250 measured depth–density profiles from both ice sheets provides the basis of the calibration of the dry-snow densification scheme. The resulting scheme results in a reduction in the rate of densification, relative to a commonly used semi-empirical model, through a decreased dependence on the accumulation rate, a proxy for overburden stress. The 1980–2020 modeled firn column runoff, when combined with atmospheric variables from MERRA-2, generates realistic mean integrated surface mass balance values for the Greenland (+390 Gt yr−1) and Antarctic (+2612 Gt yr−1) ice sheets when compared to published model-ensemble means. We find that seasonal volume changes associated with firn air content are on average approximately 2.5 times larger than those associated with mass fluxes from surface processes for the AIS and 1.5 times larger for the GrIS; however, when averaged over multiple years, ice and air-volume fluctuations within the firn column are of comparable magnitudes. Between 1996 and 2019, the Greenland Ice Sheet lost nearly 5 % of its firn air content, indicating a reduction in the total meltwater retention capability. Nearly all (94 %) of the meltwater produced over the Antarctic Ice Sheet is retained within the firn column through infiltration and refreezing.
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Berger, A., Th Fichefet, H. Gallée, I. Marsiat, C. Tricot, and J. P. van Ypersele. "Physical interactions within a coupled climate model over the last glacial–interglacial cycle." Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh: Earth Sciences 81, no. 4 (1990): 357–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s026359330002085x.
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ABSTRACTA two-dimensional (2-D) seasonal model has been developed for simulating the transient response of the climate system to the astronomical forcing. The atmosphere is represented by a zonally averaged quasi-geostrophic model which includes accurate treatment of radiative transfer. The atmospheric model interacts with the other components of the climate system (ocean, sea-ice and land surface covered or not by snow and ice) through vertical fluxes of momentum, heat and humidity. The model explicitly incorporates surface energy balances and has snow and sea-ice mass budgets. The vertical profile of the upper-ocean temperature is computed by an interactive mixed-layer model which takes into account the meridional turbulent diffusion of heat. This model is asynchronously coupled to a model which simulates the dynamics of the Greenland, the northern American and the Eurasian ice sheets. Over the last glacial–interglacial cycle, the coupled model simulates climatic changes which are in general agreement with the low frequency part of deep-sea, ice and sea-level records. However, after 6000 yBP, the remaining ice volume of the Greenland and northern American ice sheets is overestimated in the simulation. The simulated climate is sensitive to the initial size of the Greenland ice sheet, to the ice-albedo positive feedback, to the precipitation-altitude negative feedback over the ice sheets, to the albedo of the aging snow and to the insolation increase, particularly at the southern edge of the ice sheets, which is important for their collapse or surge.
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Greve, R., and S. Otsu. "The effect of the north-east ice stream on the Greenland ice sheet in changing climates." Cryosphere Discussions 1, no. 1 (2007): 41–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/tcd-1-41-2007.
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Abstract. The north-east Greenland ice stream (NEGIS) was discovered as a large fast-flow feature of the Greenland ice sheet by synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaginary of the ERS-1 satellite. In this study, the NEGIS is implemented in the dynamic/thermodynamic, large-scale ice-sheet model SICOPOLIS (Simulation Code for POLythermal Ice Sheets). In the first step, we simulate the evolution of the ice sheet on a 10-km grid for the period from 250 ka ago until today, driven by a climatology reconstructed from a combination of present-day observations and GCM results for the past. We assume that the NEGIS area is characterized by enhanced basal sliding compared to the "normal", slowly-flowing areas of the ice sheet, and find that the misfit between simulated and observed ice thicknesses and surface velocities is minimized for a sliding enhancement by the factor three. In the second step, the consequences of the NEGIS, and also of surface-meltwater-induced acceleration of basal sliding, for the possible decay of the Greenland ice sheet in future warming climates are investigated. It is demonstrated that the ice sheet is generally very susceptible to global warming on time-scales of centuries and that surface-meltwater-induced acceleration of basal sliding can speed up the decay significantly, whereas the NEGIS is not likely to dynamically destabilize the ice sheet as a whole.
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Baqi, Abdul, and Ali Abbas. "Temporal Variations in Ice Cap of Antarctica and Greenland." Vol 3 Issue 2 3, no. 2 (2021): 52–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.33411/ijist/2021030201.
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The Antarctic and Greenland polar ice caps are the largest mass of ice in world. Globally the climate system is considerably affected by these ice sheets. Several natural and anthropogenic activities have affected the balance of mass of ice sheets. Ice sheets mass loss is a consequence of changes of patterns of precipitation, changing wind patterns, increasing global temperature and increased glacial flow. Nearly 75% of the ice mass loss has been observed in these regions since last ten years. A sharp increase in ice mass loss in Antarctic and Greenland regions are detected through 0.3mm increase in sea level per year. In this research paper Satellite remote sensing techniques including Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) is used to monitor and reveal the patterns of ice melt and glacier flow in these regions.
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Smith, Ben, Helen A. Fricker, Alex S. Gardner, et al. "Pervasive ice sheet mass loss reflects competing ocean and atmosphere processes." Science 368, no. 6496 (2020): 1239–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aaz5845.
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Quantifying changes in Earth’s ice sheets and identifying the climate drivers are central to improving sea level projections. We provide unified estimates of grounded and floating ice mass change from 2003 to 2019 using NASA’s Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) and ICESat-2 satellite laser altimetry. Our data reveal patterns likely linked to competing climate processes: Ice loss from coastal Greenland (increased surface melt), Antarctic ice shelves (increased ocean melting), and Greenland and Antarctic outlet glaciers (dynamic response to ocean melting) was partially compensated by mass gains over ice sheet interiors (increased snow accumulation). Losses outpaced gains, with grounded-ice loss from Greenland (200 billion tonnes per year) and Antarctica (118 billion tonnes per year) contributing 14 millimeters to sea level. Mass lost from West Antarctica’s ice shelves accounted for more than 30% of that region’s total.
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Davis, Curt H., and H. Jay Zwally. "Geographic and seasonal variations in the surface properties of the ice sheets by satellite-radar altimetry." Journal of Glaciology 39, no. 133 (1993): 687–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000016580.
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AbstractGeosat-altimeter wave forms from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are analyzed using an algorithm based upon a combined surface-and volume-scattering model. The results demonstrate that sub-surface volume-scattering occurs over major parts of the ice sheets. Quantitative estimates of geographic variations in the near-surface ice-sheet properties are derived by retrackingindividualaltimeter wave forms. The derived surface properties correlate with elevation, latitude and microwave brightness-temperature data. Specifically, the extinction coefficient of snow obtained by this method varies from 0.48 to 0.13 m−1over the latitudes from 65° to 72°N on the central part of the Greenland ice sheet and from 0.20 to 0.10 m−1over a section of Wilkes Land in East Antarctica where the elevation increases from 2550 to 3150 m.Analysis of passive-microwave data over East Antarctica shows that the brightness temperature increases with elevation as the extinction coefficient decreases. Larger snow grain-sizes occur at lower elevations of the ice sheet because of higher mean annual temperatures. The larger grain-sizes increase the extinction coefficient of snow and decrease the emitted energy (brightness temperature) from greater snow depths. The passive-microwave data are also used to determine the average number of melt d year−1(1979–87) for the central part of the Greenland ice sheet. For latitudes from 65° to 68.5° N, the average number of melt days decreases from 3.5 to 0.25 d year, whereas no melt events are observed for latitudes above 69°N over the 8 year period. Snow subjected to alternate melting and freezing has enhanced grain-sizes compared to that of dry snow. This accounts for the larger values and larger spatial variations ofkeon the Greenland ice sheet compared to East Antarctica, where surface temperatures are never high enough to cause surface melting.
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Davis, Curt H., and H. Jay Zwally. "Geographic and seasonal variations in the surface properties of the ice sheets by satellite-radar altimetry." Journal of Glaciology 39, no. 133 (1993): 687–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/s0022143000016580.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractGeosat-altimeter wave forms from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are analyzed using an algorithm based upon a combined surface-and volume-scattering model. The results demonstrate that sub-surface volume-scattering occurs over major parts of the ice sheets. Quantitative estimates of geographic variations in the near-surface ice-sheet properties are derived by retracking individual altimeter wave forms. The derived surface properties correlate with elevation, latitude and microwave brightness-temperature data. Specifically, the extinction coefficient of snow obtained by this method varies from 0.48 to 0.13 m−1 over the latitudes from 65° to 72°N on the central part of the Greenland ice sheet and from 0.20 to 0.10 m−1 over a section of Wilkes Land in East Antarctica where the elevation increases from 2550 to 3150 m.Analysis of passive-microwave data over East Antarctica shows that the brightness temperature increases with elevation as the extinction coefficient decreases. Larger snow grain-sizes occur at lower elevations of the ice sheet because of higher mean annual temperatures. The larger grain-sizes increase the extinction coefficient of snow and decrease the emitted energy (brightness temperature) from greater snow depths. The passive-microwave data are also used to determine the average number of melt d year−1 (1979–87) for the central part of the Greenland ice sheet. For latitudes from 65° to 68.5° N, the average number of melt days decreases from 3.5 to 0.25 d year, whereas no melt events are observed for latitudes above 69°N over the 8 year period. Snow subjected to alternate melting and freezing has enhanced grain-sizes compared to that of dry snow. This accounts for the larger values and larger spatial variations of ke on the Greenland ice sheet compared to East Antarctica, where surface temperatures are never high enough to cause surface melting.
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Xiong, S., and J. P. Muller. "EXTRACTION OF ICE SHEET LAYERS FROM TWO INTERSECTED RADAR ECHOGRAMS NEAR NEEM ICE CORE IN GREENLAND." ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences XLI-B7 (June 21, 2016): 585–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-xli-b7-585-2016.
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Accumulation of snow and ice over time result in ice sheet layers. These can be remotely sensed where there is a contrast in electromagnetic properties, which reflect variations of the ice density, acidity and fabric orientation. Internal ice layers are assumed to be isochronous, deep beneath the ice surface, and parallel to the direction of ice flow. The distribution of internal layers is related to ice sheet dynamics, such as the basal melt rate, basal elevation variation and changes in ice flow mode, which are important parameters to model the ice sheet. Radar echo sounder is an effective instrument used to study the sedimentology of the Earth and planets. Ice Penetrating Radar (IPR) is specific kind of radar echo sounder, which extends studies of ice sheets from surface to subsurface to deep internal ice sheets depending on the frequency utilised. In this study, we examine a study site where folded ice occurs in the internal ice sheet south of the North Greenland Eemian ice drilling (NEEM) station, where two intersected radar echograms acquired by the Multi-channel Coherent Radar Depth Sounder (MCoRDS) employed in the NASA’s Operation IceBridge (OIB) mission imaged this folded ice. We propose a slice processing flow based on a Radon Transform to trace and extract these two sets of curved ice sheet layers, which can then be viewed in 3-D, demonstrating the 3-D structure of the ice folds.
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Xiong, S., and J. P. Muller. "EXTRACTION OF ICE SHEET LAYERS FROM TWO INTERSECTED RADAR ECHOGRAMS NEAR NEEM ICE CORE IN GREENLAND." ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences XLI-B7 (June 21, 2016): 585–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprsarchives-xli-b7-585-2016.
Full textAbstract:
Accumulation of snow and ice over time result in ice sheet layers. These can be remotely sensed where there is a contrast in electromagnetic properties, which reflect variations of the ice density, acidity and fabric orientation. Internal ice layers are assumed to be isochronous, deep beneath the ice surface, and parallel to the direction of ice flow. The distribution of internal layers is related to ice sheet dynamics, such as the basal melt rate, basal elevation variation and changes in ice flow mode, which are important parameters to model the ice sheet. Radar echo sounder is an effective instrument used to study the sedimentology of the Earth and planets. Ice Penetrating Radar (IPR) is specific kind of radar echo sounder, which extends studies of ice sheets from surface to subsurface to deep internal ice sheets depending on the frequency utilised. In this study, we examine a study site where folded ice occurs in the internal ice sheet south of the North Greenland Eemian ice drilling (NEEM) station, where two intersected radar echograms acquired by the Multi-channel Coherent Radar Depth Sounder (MCoRDS) employed in the NASA’s Operation IceBridge (OIB) mission imaged this folded ice. We propose a slice processing flow based on a Radon Transform to trace and extract these two sets of curved ice sheet layers, which can then be viewed in 3-D, demonstrating the 3-D structure of the ice folds.
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Van Tatenhove, Frank G. M., Adeline Fabre, Ralf Greve, and Philippe Huybrechts. "Modelled ice-sheet margins of three Greenland ice-sheet models compared with a geological record from ice-marginal deposits in central West Greenland." Annals of Glaciology 23 (1996): 52–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/s0260305500013252.
Full textAbstract:
Ice-sheet modelling is an essential tool for estimating the effect of climate change on the Greenland ice sheet. The large spatial and long-term temporal scales of the ice-sheet model limits the amount of data which can be used to test model results. The geological record is useful because it provides test material on the time-scales typical for the memory of ice sheets (millennia). This paper compares modelled ice-margin positions with a geological scenario of ice-margin positions since the Last Glacial Maximum to the present in West Greenland. Morphological evidence of ice-margin positions is provided by moraines. Moraine systems are dated by 14C-dated marine shells and terrestrial peat. Three Greenland ice-sheet models are compared. There are distinct differences in modelled ice-margin positions between the models and between model results and the geological record. Disagreement between models and the geological record in the near-coastal area is explained by the inadequate treatment of marginal processes in a tide-water environment. A smaller than present ice sheet around the warm period in the Holocene (Holocene climatic optimum) only occurs if such a period appears in the forcing (ice-core record) or used temporal resolution. Smoothing of the GRIP record with a 2000 year average eliminates the climatic signal related to the Holocene climatic optimum. This underlines the importance of short-term and medium-term variations (decades, centuries) in climatic variables in determining ice-margin positions in the past but also in the future.
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Van Tatenhove, Frank G. M., Adeline Fabre, Ralf Greve, and Philippe Huybrechts. "Modelled ice-sheet margins of three Greenland ice-sheet models compared with a geological record from ice-marginal deposits in central West Greenland." Annals of Glaciology 23 (1996): 52–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0260305500013252.
Full textAbstract:
Ice-sheet modelling is an essential tool for estimating the effect of climate change on the Greenland ice sheet. The large spatial and long-term temporal scales of the ice-sheet model limits the amount of data which can be used to test model results. The geological record is useful because it provides test material on the time-scales typical for the memory of ice sheets (millennia). This paper compares modelled ice-margin positions with a geological scenario of ice-margin positions since the Last Glacial Maximum to the present in West Greenland. Morphological evidence of ice-margin positions is provided by moraines. Moraine systems are dated by 14C-dated marine shells and terrestrial peat. Three Greenland ice-sheet models are compared. There are distinct differences in modelled ice-margin positions between the models and between model results and the geological record. Disagreement between models and the geological record in the near-coastal area is explained by the inadequate treatment of marginal processes in a tide-water environment. A smaller than present ice sheet around the warm period in the Holocene (Holocene climatic optimum) only occurs if such a period appears in the forcing (ice-core record) or used temporal resolution. Smoothing of the GRIP record with a 2000 year average eliminates the climatic signal related to the Holocene climatic optimum. This underlines the importance of short-term and medium-term variations (decades, centuries) in climatic variables in determining ice-margin positions in the past but also in the future.
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Barbi, D., G. Lohmann, K. Grosfeld, and M. Thoma. "Ice sheet dynamics within an Earth system model: coupling and first results on ice stability and ocean circulation." Geoscientific Model Development Discussions 6, no. 1 (2013): 1–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/gmdd-6-1-2013.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract. We present first results from a coupled model setup, consisting of a state-of-the-art ice sheet model (RIMBAY), and the community earth system model COSMOS. We show that special care has to be provided in order to ensure physical distributions of the forcings, as well as numeric stability of the involved models. We demonstrate that a statistical downscaling is crucial for ice sheet stability, especially for southern Greenland where surface temperature are close to the melting point. The simulated ice sheets are stable when forced with pre-industrial greenhouse gas parameters, with limits comparable with present day ice orography. A setup with high CO2 level is used to demonstrate the effects of dynamic ice sheets compared to the standard parameterisation; the resulting changes on ocean circulation will also be discussed.
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Zwally, H. J. "Ice-Sheet Thickening Observed by Satellite Altimetry (Abstract)." Annals of Glaciology 8 (1986): 200. http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/s0260305500001518.
Full textAbstract:
The first set of sequential measurements by two different sets of satellite altimetry data indicate that the Greenland ice sheet, south of 65.1° north latitude, thickened at the rate of 35 ± 17 cm a−1 during 1975 to 1978. The average change in surface elevation was calculated from the elevation differences determined at 525 locations observed by both GEOS-3 and Seasat radar altimeters. The observed thickening is consistent with the 8 cm a−1 thickening previously measured in the accumulation zone, approximately 900 km farther north, during conventional, surface, survey methods. The increase in ice thickness suggests a higher precipitation than the long-term average, which is one possible result of a warmer climate in polar regions. The excess ice accumulation, in the 10 % of the Greenland ice sheet observed, is estimated to be 53 km3 a−1, which is equivalent to a sea-level reduction of 0.15 mm a−1. Additional, high-precision, sequential, altimetric measurements could be used to determine the overall mass balance of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets.
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Zwally, H. J. "Ice-Sheet Thickening Observed by Satellite Altimetry (Abstract)." Annals of Glaciology 8 (1986): 200. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0260305500001518.
Full textAbstract:
The first set of sequential measurements by two different sets of satellite altimetry data indicate that the Greenland ice sheet, south of 65.1° north latitude, thickened at the rate of 35 ± 17 cm a−1 during 1975 to 1978. The average change in surface elevation was calculated from the elevation differences determined at 525 locations observed by both GEOS-3 and Seasat radar altimeters. The observed thickening is consistent with the 8 cm a−1 thickening previously measured in the accumulation zone, approximately 900 km farther north, during conventional, surface, survey methods. The increase in ice thickness suggests a higher precipitation than the long-term average, which is one possible result of a warmer climate in polar regions. The excess ice accumulation, in the 10 % of the Greenland ice sheet observed, is estimated to be 53 km3 a−1, which is equivalent to a sea-level reduction of 0.15 mm a−1. Additional, high-precision, sequential, altimetric measurements could be used to determine the overall mass balance of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets.
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Franke, Steven, Paul D. Bons, Julien Westhoff, et al. "Holocene ice-stream shutdown and drainage basin reconfiguration in northeast Greenland." Nature Geoscience 15, no. 12 (2022): 995–1001. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-022-01082-2.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractReliable knowledge of ice discharge dynamics for the Greenland ice sheet via its ice streams is essential if we are to understand its stability under future climate scenarios. Currently active ice streams in Greenland have been well mapped using remote-sensing data while past ice-stream paths in what are now deglaciated regions can be reconstructed from the landforms they left behind. However, little is known about possible former and now defunct ice streams in areas still covered by ice. Here we use radio-echo sounding data to decipher the regional ice-flow history of the northeastern Greenland ice sheet on the basis of its internal stratigraphy. By creating a three-dimensional reconstruction of time-equivalent horizons, we map folds deep below the surface that we then attribute to the deformation caused by now-extinct ice streams. We propose that locally this ancient ice-flow regime was much more focused and reached much farther inland than today’s and was deactivated when the main drainage system was reconfigured and relocated southwards. The insight that major ice streams in Greenland might start, shift or abruptly disappear will affect future approaches to understanding and modelling the response of Earth’s ice sheets to global warming.