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Sea-level response to ice sheet evolution: An ocean perspectiveThe ocean's influence upon and response to Antarctic ice sheet changes is considered in relation to sea level rise over recent and future decades. Assuming present day ice fronts are in approximate equilibrium, a preliminary budget for the ice sheet is estimated from accumulation vs. iceberg calving and the basal melting that occurs beneath floating ice shelves. Iceberg calving is derived from the volume of large bergs identified and tracked by the Navy/NOAA Joint Ice Center and from shipboard observations. Basal melting exceeds 600 cu km/yr and is concentrated near the ice fronts and ice shelf grounding lines. An apparent negative mass balance for the Antarctic ice sheet may result from an anomalous calving rate during the past decade, but there are large uncertainties associated with all components of the ice budget. The results from general circulation models are noted in the context of projected precipitation increases and ocean temperature changes on and near the continent. An ocean research program that could help refine budget estimates is consistent with goals of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Initiative.
Document ID
19910017261
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Jacobs, Stanley S.
(Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory Palisades, NY, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Goddard Space Flight Center, West Antarctic Ice Sheet Initiative. Volume 2: Discipline Reviews
Subject Category
Oceanography
Accession Number
91N26575
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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