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A fully-coupled 3D model of a large Greenlandic outlet glacier with evolving subglacial hydrology, frontal plume melting and calving

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Cook, SJ 
Christoffersen, Poul  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2643-8724
Todd, J 

Abstract

jats:titleAbstract</jats:title>jats:pWe present the first fully coupled 3D full-Stokes model of a tidewater glacier, incorporating ice flow, subglacial hydrology, plume-induced frontal melting and calving. We apply the model to Store Glacier (jats:italicSermeq Kujalleq</jats:italic>) in west Greenland to simulate a year of high melt (2012) and one of low melt (2017). In terms of modelled hydrology, we find perennial channels extending 5 km inland from the terminus and up to 41 and 29 km inland in summer 2012 and 2017, respectively. We also report a hydrodynamic feedback that suppresses channel growth under thicker ice inland and allows water to be stored in the distributed system. At the terminus, we find hydrodynamic feedbacks exert a major control on calving through their impact on velocity. We show that 2012 marked a year in which Store Glacier developed a fully channelised drainage system, unlike 2017, where it remained only partially developed. This contrast in modelled behaviour indicates that tidewater glaciers can experience a strong hydrological, as well as oceanic, control, which is consistent with observations showing glaciers switching between types of behaviour. The fully coupled nature of the model allows us to demonstrate the likely lack of any hydrological or ice-dynamic memory at Store Glacier.</jats:p>

Description

Keywords

Arctic glaciology, calving, glacier hydrology, glacier modelling

Journal Title

Journal of Glaciology

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0022-1430
1727-5652

Volume Title

Publisher

Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
NERC (NE/L002507/1)
Natural Environment Research Council (NE/K005871/1)
EU H2020