An evaluation of a physics-based firn model and a semi-empirical firn model across the Greenland Ice Sheet (1980–2020)

Abstract 3 from SNOWPACK and 28 581 km3 from the CFM-GSFC. The discrepancy in the magnitude of the modeled FAC stems from differences in densification with depth and variations in the sensitivity of the models to atmospheric forcing. In more recent years (2005–2020), both models simulate substantial depletion of pore space. During this period, the spatially integrated FAC across the entire GrIS decreases by 3.2 % (- 66.6  km3  yr- 1 - 17.4  km3  yr- 1) in the CFM-GSFC. These differing magnitudes demonstrate how model differences propagate throughout the FAC record. Over the full modeled record (1980–2020), SNOWPACK simulates a loss of pore space equivalent to 3 mm of sea level rise buffering, while the CFM-GSFC simulates a loss of 1 mm. The greatest depletion in FAC is along the margins and especially along the western margin where observations and models show the formation of near-surface, low-permeability ice slabs that may inhibit meltwater storage.

Object Details

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

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: An evaluation of a physics-based firn model and a semi-empirical firn model across the Greenland Ice Sheet (1980–2020) ; volume:17 ; number:5 ; year:2023 ; pages:2185-2209 ; extent:25 ; The Cryosphere ; 17, Heft 5 (2023), 2185-2209 (gesamt 25)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Thompson-Munson, Megan ; Wever, Nander ; Stevens, C. Max ; Lenaerts, Jan ; Medley, Brooke

Further information

• DOI: 10.5194/tc-17-2185-2023
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023060104341642165765
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:49 AM CEST