The Cryosphere
The Cryosphere
TC
Articles | Volume 11, issue 3
Articles | Volume 11, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-1283-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-1283-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Articles | Volume 11, issue 3
Research article
 | 
30 May 2017
Research article |  | 30 May 2017

Iceberg calving of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica: full-Stokes modeling combined with linear elastic fracture mechanics

Hongju Yu, Eric Rignot, Mathieu Morlighem, and Helene Seroussi

Supplement

https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-1283-2017-supplement

Data sets

Continental scale, high order, high spatial resolution, ice sheet modeling using the Ice Sheet SystemModel (ISSM) E. Larour, H. Seroussi, M. Morlighem, and E. Rignot https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JF002140

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Short summary
We combine 2-D ice flow model with linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) to model the calving behavior of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica. We find the combination of full-Stokes (FS) model and LEFM produces crevasses that are consistent with observations. We also find that calving is enhanced with pre-existing surface crevasses, shorter ice shelves or undercut at the ice shelf front. We conclude that the FS/LEFM combination is capable of constraining crevasse formation and iceberg calving.
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