Observations of the Grounding Line and Basal Conditions of Thwaites Glacier and Comparisons with Continental-scale Ice Sheet Model Inversions

Abstract: Thwaites Glacier is one of the fastest-moving and fastest-changing glaciers in West Antarctica. The grounding line of the Thwaites Glacier is retreating rapidly primarily due ocean-induced basal melt. Previous observations have also shown that the basal conditions underneath Thwaites Glaciers can lead to rapid sliding. However, the processes and conditions at the base of any glacier is very difficult to identify and model. The accuracy of our predictions of how a glacier might change is dependent on the ice sheet models identifying the primary drivers of change and incorporating the correct physical representation of the processes. As a part of the ITGC PROPHET, I am working on identifying basal conditions underneath the Thwaites Glacier using Operation IceBridge ice-penetrating radar. The radar-interpreted basal conditions are then compared with inversions of basal friction coefficient and basal drag from three continental-scale ice sheet models ISSM, Uá and STREAMICE using similar boundary conditions and Weertman’s sliding law. In this talk, I will present preliminary results of the radar and model comparisons of basal conditions underneath the Thwaites Glacier and near its grounding zone.

atmospheric sciencescryosphere sciencesocean sciencesatmospheric and oceanic physics

Audience: researchers in the topic

BAS Ice Dynamics and Paleoclimate Seminars