Articles | Volume 16, issue 9
The Cryosphere, 16, 3867–3887, 2022
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3867-2022
The Cryosphere, 16, 3867–3887, 2022
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3867-2022
Research article
29 Sep 2022
Research article | 29 Sep 2022

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

Helen Ockenden et al.

Data sets

Model output data files Helen Ockenden https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5105687

Model code and software

Inversion model code Helen Ockenden https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5494600

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Short summary
Hills and valleys hidden under the ice of Thwaites Glacier have an impact on ice flow and future ice loss, but there are not many three-dimensional observations of their location or size. We apply a mathematical theory to new high-resolution observations of the ice surface to predict the bed topography beneath the ice. There is a good correlation with ice-penetrating radar observations. The method may be useful in areas with few direct observations or as a further constraint for other methods.