On the evolution of an ice shelf melt channel at the base of Filchner Ice Shelf, from observations and viscoelastic modeling

Abstract 330 2 - 1 ∼ 55  km downstream of the grounding line. While closer to the grounding line melt rates are higher within the channel than outside, this relationship reverses further downstream. Comparing the modeled evolution of this channel under present-day climate conditions over 250 years with its present geometry reveals a mismatch. Melt rates twice as large as the present-day values are required to fit the observed geometry. In contrast, forcing the model with present-day melt rates results in a closure of the channel, which contradicts observations. The ice shelf experiences strong tidal variability in vertical strain rates at the measured site, and discrete pulses of increased melting occurred throughout the measurement period. The type of melt channel in this study diminishes in height with distance from the grounding line and is hence not a destabilizing factor for ice shelves.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: On the evolution of an ice shelf melt channel at the base of Filchner Ice Shelf, from observations and viscoelastic modeling ; volume:16 ; number:10 ; year:2022 ; pages:4107-4139 ; extent:33 ; The Cryosphere ; 16, Heft 10 (2022), 4107-4139 (gesamt 33)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Humbert, Angelika ; Christmann, Julia ; Corr, Hugh F. J. ; Helm, Veit ; Höyns, Lea-Sophie ; Hofstede, Coen ; Müller, Ralf ; Neckel, Niklas ; Nicholls, Keith W. ; Schultz, Timm ; Steinhage, Daniel ; Wolovick, Michael ; Zeising, Ole

Further information

• DOI: 10.5194/tc-16-4107-2022
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022101305242619418201
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:25 AM CEST