The Cryosphere
The Cryosphere
TC
Articles | Volume 20, issue 1
Articles | Volume 20, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-777-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-777-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Articles | Volume 20, issue 1
Research article
 | 
29 Jan 2026
Research article |  | 29 Jan 2026

Modelling the sensitivity of ice loss to calving front retreat rates in the Amundsen Sea Embayment, West Antarctica

Jowan M. Barnes, G. Hilmar Gudmundsson, Daniel N. Goldberg, and Sainan Sun

Data sets

MEaSUREs BedMachine Antarctica, Version 3 M. Morlighem https://doi.org/10.5067/FPSU0V1MWUB6

GHilmarG/UaSource: Ua2023b (Version v2023b) G. H. Gudmundsson https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10829346

ISMIP6 23rd Century Forcing Datasets S. Nowicki and ISMIP6-Team https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13135571

Model code and software

GHilmarG/UaSource: Ua-R2025b (Version v2025b) H. Gudmundsson https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18038229

Video supplement

Modelling the sensitivity of ice loss to calving front retreat rates - Video 1 Jowan Barnes https://doi.org/10.5446/69727

Modelling the sensitivity of ice loss to calving front retreat rates - Video 2 Jowan Barnes https://doi.org/10.5446/69728

Modelling the sensitivity of ice loss to calving front retreat rates - Video 3 Jowan Barnes https://doi.org/10.5446/69729

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Short summary
Calving is where ice breaks off the front of glaciers. It has not been included widely in modelling as it is difficult to represent. We use our ice flow model to investigate the effects of calving floating ice shelves in West Antarctica. More calving leads to more ice loss and greater sea level rise, with local differences due to the shape of the bedrock. We find that ocean forcing and calving should be considered equally when trying to improve how models represent the real world.
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