Articles | Volume 10, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-497-2016
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-497-2016
Research article
 | 
03 Mar 2016
Research article |  | 03 Mar 2016

Modelling calving front dynamics using a level-set method: application to Jakobshavn Isbræ, West Greenland

Johannes H. Bondzio, Hélène Seroussi, Mathieu Morlighem, Thomas Kleiner, Martin Rückamp, Angelika Humbert, and Eric Y. Larour

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Cited articles

Benn, D. I., Warren, C. R., and Mottram, R. H.: Calving processes and the dynamics of calving glaciers, Earth-Sci. Rev., 82, 143–179, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2007.02.002, 2007.
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Cuffey, K. M. and Paterson, W. S. B.: The Physics of Glaciers, Elsevier, Burlington, Mass., 2010.
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Short summary
We implemented a level-set method in the ice sheet system model. This method allows us to dynamically evolve a calving front subject to user-defined calving rates. We apply the method to Jakobshavn Isbræ, West Greenland, and study its response to calving rate perturbations. We find its behaviour strongly dependent on the calving rate, which was to be expected. Both reduced basal drag and rheological shear margin weakening sustain the acceleration of this dynamic outlet glacier.