Projects per year
Abstract
This study assesses the impact of a large 2010 calving event on the current and future stability of Petermann Glacier, Greenland, and ascertains the glacier’s interaction with different components of the climate and ocean system. We use a numerical ice-flow model that captures the major aspects of the glacier’s mass budget, the resistive forces controlling glacier flow, and includes dynamic calving. Satellite observations and model results show that the recent break-off of 25% of the floating tongue did not result in a significant glacier speed-up due to the low lateral resistance of this relatively wide and thin ice tongue. We demonstrate that seasonal speed-up at Petermann Glacier is mainly driven by meltwater lubrication rather than freeze-up conditions in the fjord. Results also show that sub-shelf ocean melt may have a profound effect on the future stability of Petermann Glacier, emphasizing the urgent need for more observations, and a better understanding of fjord temperature variability and circulation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 229-239 |
Journal | Journal of Glaciology |
Volume | 58 |
Issue number | 208 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 01 Jan 2012 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'The response of Petermann Glacier, Greenland, to large calving events, and its future stability in the context of atmospheric and oceanic warming'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 3 Finished
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Investigating Meltwater Flow Beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet using a Multi-tracer Approach
Hubbard, A. (PI)
Natural Environment Research Council
01 May 2011 → 30 Apr 2015
Project: Externally funded research
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A Holistic Model of Outlet Calving, Dynamic Acceloration and Drawdown for the Greenland Ice Sheet
Hubbard, A. (PI)
Natural Environment Research Council
01 Jun 2009 → 31 May 2011
Project: Externally funded research
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Dynamic Response of the Greenland Ice Sheet to Climate Forcing using a geophysical, Remote sensing and Numerical Modelling Framework
Hubbard, A. (PI)
Natural Environment Research Council
01 Mar 2009 → 31 Jan 2013
Project: Externally funded research