Abstract

Modeling Temperature, Velocity and Stress Distributions in Glacial Bodies

Yibin Zhang, Dr. Charlie Zheng, Dr. Leigh Stearns, and Ryan Schirmer, Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045

In this study, the characteristics of two end-member glaciers, Byrd Glacier (136 km long, 3264 km2) and Jakobshavn Isbrae (>65 km long, 110,000 km2) are modeled. Large outlet glaciers are the primary means by which ice is transported from the interior of ice sheets out to the ocean. There is currently little empirical data surrounding speed, temperature and stress distributions within these glaciers, yet these characteristics are critical in understanding how glaciers will respond to a changing climate. Using computer models, it was shown that all three properties are governed by the geometry of the glacier-bedrock interface. Velocity is found to be the highest near the surface of the glacier and lowest at the glacier-bedrock interface. Temperature is the highest at the glacier bed, where the ice is warmed by geothermal energy, and decreases traveling upwards to the surface. Pressure likewise follows an intuitive gradient, increasing with depth and gravitational mass. Creating accurate models for these parameters will hopefully bring about an improved understanding of glacier dynamics.