scholarly journals Formation of RADARSAT backscatter feature and undulating firn stratigraphy at an ice-stream margin

2013 ◽  
Vol 54 (64) ◽  
pp. 90-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Ng ◽  
Edward C. King
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Steady Flow ◽  
Kinematic Model ◽  
Ice Sheets ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
West Antarctica ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Backscatter Intensity ◽  
Ice Stream

AbstractOn RADARSAT imagery, the southern margin of the onset zone of Bindschadler Ice Stream, West Antarctica, manifests a multi-banded feature, with brightness varying across the bands and oscillating along each band. Ground-based radar profiles across the margin reveal folds in the firn stratigraphy associated with this pattern and provide evidence for correlation between the depth of shallow isochrones and the RADARSAT backscatter intensity on each profile, allowing us to interpret the banded feature for firn-layer geometry in three dimensions. We use a kinematic model of isochrone depth evolution to show how layer folding and the band expression may result from deformation and advection in the near-surface flow field at ice-stream margins, even with steady flow. The model predicts the formation of longitudinally patterned bands when the ice-stream acceleration fluctuates along flow. Concerted study of the planform and stratigraphy of other RADARSAT-detected features on the ice sheets may help us understand their origin.

scholarly journals The onset area of Ice Stream D, West Antarctica

2000 ◽  
Vol 46 (152) ◽  
pp. 95-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bindschadler ◽  
Xin Chen ◽  
Patricia Vornberger
Keyword(s):  
Strain Rate ◽  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Landsat Imagery ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
West Antarctica ◽  
The Past ◽  
Ice Stream ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Longitudinal Strain Rate ◽  
Streaming Flow

AbstractSurface flow in a 10 000 km2 expanse of the onset area of Ice Stream D, West Antarctica, was measured by repeat, precise global positioning system surveys over a 1 year interval. The pattern of velocity and strain rate shows the development of Ice Stream D, the major flow into which originates south of Byrd station and follows the course of a deep bed channel. Plotting of the driving stress vs the ratio of velocity and ice thickness identifies the onset of streaming flow (roughly 140 km downstream of Byrd station) as a transition between deformation flow and sliding flow. Along the kinematic center line of the developing ice stream, the ice rheology is linear at stresses below 0.6 bar, and appears temperate at the base well before the onset of streaming is reached. The onset corresponds to a maximum driving stress of 0.8 bar. It occurs downstream of a slight increase in longitudinal strain rate where stronger along-flow lineations are apparent in Landsat imagery, and after the ice has passed the center of an overdeepening in the bed channel. No current deviation from equilibrium is detected in this region, but a set of flow stripes misaligned with present flow indicates significant changes in flow have occurred in the past.

scholarly journals Melting and freezing beneath the Ross ice streams, Antarctica

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (168) ◽  
pp. 96-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Joughin ◽  
Slawek Tulaczyk ◽  
Douglas R. MacAyeal ◽  
Hermann Engelhardt
Keyword(s):  
Steady Flow ◽  
Temperature Model ◽  
West Antarctica ◽  
Ice Streams ◽  
Horizontal Advection ◽  
Ice Stream ◽  
Whillans Ice Stream ◽  
Shear Heating ◽  
Strain Heating ◽  
Inland Ice

AbstractWe have estimated temperature gradients and melt rates at the bottom of the ice streams in West Antarctica. Measured velocities were used to include the effects of horizontal advection and strain heating in the temperature model and to determine shear heating at the bed. Our modeled temperatures agree well with measured temperatures from boreholes in regions of steady flow. We find that ice-stream tributaries and the inland ice account for about 87% of the total melt generated beneath the Ross ice streams and their catchments. Our estimates indicate that the ice plains of Whillans Ice Stream and Ice Stream C (even when active) have large areas subject to basal freezing, confirming earlier estimates that import of water from upstream is necessary to sustain motion. The relatively low melt rates on Whillans Ice Stream are consistent with observations of deceleration over the last few decades and suggest a shutdown may take place in the future, possibly within this century. While there are pockets of basal freezing beneath Ice Streams D and E, there are larger areas of basal melt that produce enough melt to more than offset the freezing, which is consistent with inferences of relatively steady flow for these ice streams over the last millennium.

scholarly journals Tidal influence on Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica: observations of surface flow and basal processes from closely spaced GPS and passive seismic stations

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (187) ◽  
pp. 715-724 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Aðalgeirsdóttir ◽  
A.M. Smith ◽  
T. Murray ◽  
M.A. King ◽  
K. Makinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Cycle ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Velocity Variation ◽  
West Antarctica ◽  
Ice Stream ◽  
Grounding Line ◽  
Passive Seismic ◽  
First Time

AbstractHigh-resolution surface velocity measurements and passive seismic observations from Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica, 40 km upstream from the grounding line are presented. These measurements indicate a complex relationship between the ocean tides and currents, basal conditions and ice-stream flow. Both the mean basal seismicity and the velocity of the ice stream are modulated by the tides. Seismic activity increases twice during each semi-diurnal tidal cycle. The tidal analysis shows the largest velocity variation is at the fortnightly period, with smaller variations superimposed at diurnal and semi-diurnal frequencies. The general pattern of the observed velocity is two velocity peaks during each semi-diurnal tidal cycle, but sometimes three peaks are observed. This pattern of two or three peaks is more regular during spring tides, when the largest-amplitude velocity variations are observed, than during neap tides. This is the first time that velocity and level of seismicity are shown to correlate and respond to tidal forcing as far as 40 km upstream from the grounding line of a large ice stream.

Study of turbulent mixing processes at a mesoscale confluence through aerial drone imagery and eddy-resolved modelling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Duguay ◽  
Pascale Biron ◽  
Thomas Buffin-Bélanger
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Suspended Sediment ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Turbulent Structures ◽  
Mixing Processes ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Vortical Structures ◽  
Instantaneous Flow Field

<p>The large-scale turbulent structures that develop at confluences fall into three main categories: vertically orientated (Kelvin-Helmholtz) vortices, large-scale secondary flow helical cells and smaller strongly coherent streamwise orientated vortices. The causal mechanisms of each class, how they interact with one another and their respective contributions to mixing is still unclear. Our investigation emphasises the role played by the instantaneous flow field in mixing at a mesoscale confluence (Mitis-Neigette, Quebec, Canada) by complementing aerial drone observations of turbulent suspended sediment mixing processes with results from a high-resolution eddy-resolved numerical simulation. The high velocity near-surface flow of the main channel (Mitis) separates at the crest of the scour hole before downwelling upon collision with the slower tributary (Neigette). Fed by incursions of lateral momentum of the Mitis, shear generated Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities expand as they advect along the mixing-interface. As the instabilities shed, water from the deeper Neigette passes underneath the fast, over-topping Mitis, causing a large portion of the Neigette’s discharge to cross under the mixing-interface in a short distance. The remaining flow of the tributary crosses over inside large-scale lateral incursions farther downstream. The downwelling Mitis, upwelling Neigette and recirculatory cell interact to generate coherent streamwise vortical structures which assist in rapidly mixing the waters of the two rivers in the vicinity of the mixing-interface. Evidence of large-scale helical cells were not observed in the flow field. Results suggest that flow interaction with bathymetry, and both vertical and streamwise orientated coherent turbulent structures play important roles in mixing at confluences. Our findings strongly suggest that investigating mixing at confluences cannot be based solely on mean flow field variables as this approach can be misleading. Visualization of a confluence’s mixing processes as revealed by suspended sediment gradients captured in aerial drone imagery complemented with eddy-resolved numerical modelling of the underlying flow is a promising means to gain insights on the role of large-scale turbulent structures on mixing at confluences.</p>

scholarly journals Radar surveys of the Rutford Ice Stream onset zone, West Antarctica: indications of flow (in)stability?

2009 ◽  
Vol 50 (51) ◽  
pp. 57-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Woodward ◽  
Edward C. King
Keyword(s):  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Flow Direction ◽  
Cross Flow ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
West Antarctica ◽  
Ice Streams ◽  
Ice Flow ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
West Antarctic ◽  
Ice Stream

AbstractWe present 1 and 100 MHz ground-based radar data from the onset region of Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica, which indicate the form and internal structure of isochrones. In the flow-parallel lines, modelled isochrone patterns reproduce the gross pattern of the imaged near-surface layers, assuming steady-state flow velocity from GPS records and the current accumulation rate for the last 200 years. We interpret this as indicating overall stability in flow in the onset region of Rutford Ice Stream throughout this period. However, in the cross-flow lines some local variability in accumulation is seen in areas close to the ice-stream margin where a number of tributaries converge towards the ice-stream onset zone. Episodic surface lowering events are observed followed by rapid fill episodes. The fill events indicate deposition towards the northwest, most likely generated by storm winds, which blow at an oblique angle to ice flow. More problematic is explaining the generation of episodic surface lowering in this area. We speculate this may be due to: changing ice-flow direction in the complex tributary area of the onset zone; a change in basal sediments or sedimentary landforms; a change in basal melt rates or water supply; or episodic lake drainage events in the fjord systems of the Ellsworth Subglacial Highlands. The study highlights the difficulty of assessing flow stability in the complex onset regions of West Antarctic ice streams.

Effects of ground roughness on near-surface flow field of a tornado-like vortex

2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Razavi ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Partha P. Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Near Surface

scholarly journals Elevation and elevation change of Greenland and Antarctica derived from CryoSat-2

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1673-1721 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Helm ◽  
A. Humbert ◽  
H. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Ice Sheets ◽  
Surface Elevation ◽  
Volume Loss ◽  
Radar Altimeter ◽  
West Antarctica ◽  
Elevation Change ◽  
Amundsen Sea ◽  
Ice Stream ◽  
Elevation Changes

Abstract. The ESA satellite CryoSat-2 has been observing Earth's polar regions since April 2010. It carries a sophisticated radar altimeter and aims for the detection of changes in sea ice thickness as well as surface elevation changes of Earth's land and marine ice sheets. This study focuses on the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, considering the contemporary elevation of their surfaces. Based on 2 years of CryoSat-2 data acquisition, elevation change maps and mass balance estimates are presented. Additionally, new digital elevation models (DEMs) and the corresponding error maps are derived. Due to the high orbit of CryoSat-2 (88° N/S) and the narrow across-track spacing, more than 99% of Antarctica's surface area is covered. In contrast, previous radar altimeter measurements of ERS1/2 and ENVISAT were limited to latitudes between 81.5° N and 81.5° S and to surface slopes below 1°. The derived DEMs for Greenland and Antarctica have an accuracy which is similar to previous DEMs obtained by satellite-based laser and radar altimetry (Liu et al., 2001; Bamber et al., 2009, 2013; Fretwell et al., 2013; Howat et al., 2014). Comparisons with ICESat data show that 80% of the CryoSat-2 DEMs have an error of less than 3 m ± 30 m. For both ice sheets the surface elevation change rates between 2011 and 2012 are presented at a resolution of 1 km. Negative elevation changes are concentrated at the west and south-east coast of Greenland and in the Amundsen Sea embayment in West Antarctica (e.g. Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers). They agree well with the dynamic mass loss observed by ICESat between 2003 and 2008 (Pritchard et al., 2009). Thickening occurs along the main trunk of Kamb Ice Stream and in Dronning Maud Land. While the former is a consequence of an ice stream stagnated ∼150 years ago (Rose, 1979; Retzlaff and Bentley, 1993), the latter represents a known large-scale accumulation event (Lenaerts et al., 2013). This anomaly partly compensates for the observed increased volume loss in West Antarctica. In Greenland the findings reveal an increased volume loss of a factor of 2 compared to the period 2003 to 2008. The combined volume loss of Greenland and Antarctica for the period 2011 and 2012 is estimated to be −448 ± 122 km3 yr−1.

scholarly journals Inverting ice surface elevation and velocity for bed topography and slipperiness beneath Thwaites Glacier

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Ockenden ◽  
Robert G. Bingham ◽  
Andrew Curtis ◽  
Daniel Goldberg
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Ice Sheets ◽  
Mass Conservation ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Surface Elevation ◽  
Linear Perturbation ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Bed Topography ◽  
Ice Stream

Abstract. There is significant uncertainty over how ice sheets and glaciers will respond to rising global temperatures. Limited knowledge of the topography and rheology of ice-bed interface is a key cause of this uncertainty, as models show that small changes in the bed can have a large influence on predicted rates of ice loss. Most of our detailed knowledge of bed topography comes from airborne and ground-penetrating radar observations. However, these direct observations are not spaced closely enough to meet the requirements of ice-sheet models, so interpolation and inversion methods are used to fill in the gaps. Here we present the results of a new inversion of surface-elevation and velocity data over Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica, for bed topography and slipperiness (i.e. the degree of basal slip for a given level of drag). The inversion is based on a steady-state linear perturbation analysis of the shallow-ice-stream equations. The method works by identifying disturbances to surface flow which are caused by obstacles or sticky patches in the bed, and can therefore be applied wherever the shallow-ice-stream equations hold and where surface data are available, even where the ice thickness is not well known. We assess the performance of the inversion for topography with the available radar data. Although the topographic output from the inversion is less successful where the bed slopes steeply, it compares well with radar data from the central trunk of the glacier. This method could therefore be useful as either an independent test of other interpolation methods such as mass conservation and kriging, or as a complementary technique in regions where those techniques fail. We do not have data to allow us to assess the success of the slipperiness results from our inversions, but we provide maps that may guide future seismic data collection across Thwaites Glacier. The methods presented here show significant promise for using high-resolution satellite datasets, calibrated by the sparser field datasets, to generate high resolution bed topography products across the ice sheets, and therefore contribute to reduced uncertainty in predictions of future sea-level rise.

scholarly journals Velocity difference between the surface and base of Ice Stream B2, West Antarctica, from radar fading-pattern experiment

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 243-249
Author(s):  
C. Liu ◽  
C. R. Bentley ◽  
N. E. Lord
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Displacement ◽  
Relative Displacement ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Snow Surface ◽  
West Antarctica ◽  
Ice Flow ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Ice Stream ◽  
Cross Correlation Analysis ◽  
Spatial Interval

AbstractAs an ice-sounding radar receiver and transmitter are moved together across the snow surface, the returning echoes change rapidly, forming the "spatial fading pattern". Because the fading pattern is determinedly the details of the ice-bed interface" and remains fixed in position relative to that interface while the ice moves, repeated measurements of the fading pattern can reveal the relative displacement between the snow surface and targets near the bed of the ice and/or in the ice. Six high-density grids, comprising flag lines approximately along and normal to the direction of ice flow on Ice Stream B2, West Antarctica, were repeatedly profiled with a digital 50 MHz radar system by triggering a burst of 128 pulses from the radar transmitter every 0.7 m. A highly directional microwave motion sensor and a manual event button provided registration marks along the lines. The original recorded amplitudes were resampled at a constant spatial interval by interpolation between adjacent traces to make possible an analytical comparison of fading patterns. Fading patterns recorded on different days were compared by cross-correlation analysis to estimate the horizontal displacement. Then near-surface crevasses, which locally blocked the transmitted energy, were used to correct for flag-positiomng errors. The results from the three largest grids are significantly different: differential motions between the surface and the bed range from 1 to -0.5 ma−1. We suspect that the differences are related to the complex systems of strains within the ice stream reported by Hulbe and Whillans (1997).

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