Ocean forced variability of Totten Glacier mass loss
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
A large volume of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet drains through the Totten Glacier (TG) and is thought to be a potential source of substantial global sea level rise over the coming centuries. We show the flow and surface height of floating part of TG, which buttresses the grounded component, have varied substantially over two decades (1989–2011), with variations in surface height and basal melt rates highly anti-correlated (r=0.70, p
<0.05). Coupled glacier/ice-shelf simulations confirm ice flow and thickness respond to both basal melting of the ice shelf and grounding on bed obstacles. We conclude the observed variability of TG is primarily ocean-driven and enhanced ice-sheet dynamism, leading to upstream grounded ice loss, will occur from the region with ocean warming.
<0.05). Coupled glacier/ice-shelf simulations confirm ice flow and thickness respond to both basal melting of the ice shelf and grounding on bed obstacles. We conclude the observed variability of TG is primarily ocean-driven and enhanced ice-sheet dynamism, leading to upstream grounded ice loss, will occur from the region with ocean warming.
Date Issued
2018-01
Date Acceptance
2017-02-07
Citation
Special Publication - Geological Society of London, 2018, 461 (1), pp.175-186
ISSN
0305-8719
Publisher
The Geological Society
Start Page
175
End Page
186
Journal / Book Title
Special Publication - Geological Society of London
Volume
461
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2018 The Author(s). Published by The Geological Society of London
License URL
Identifier
https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/10.1144/SP461.6
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2017-08-12