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Rheology of the Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, Inferred from Satellite Radar Interferometry Data using an Inverse Control MethodThe Antarctic Ice Sheet is surrounded by large floating ice shelves that spread under their own weight into the ocean. Ice shelf rigidity depends on ice temperature and fabrics, and is influenced by ice flow and the delicate balance between bottom and surface accumulation. Here, we use an inverse control method to infer the rigidity of the Ronne Ice Shelf that best matches observations of ice velocity from satellite radar interferometry. Ice rigidity, or flow law parameter B, is shown to vary between 300 and 900 kPa a(sup 1/3). Ice is softer along the side margins due to frictional heating, and harder along the outflow of large glaciers, which advect cold continental ice. Melting at the bottom surface of the ice shelf increases its rigidity, while freezing decreases it. Accurate numerical modelling of ice shelf flow must account for this spatial variability in mechanical characteristics.
Document ID
20070023936
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Larour, E.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Rignot, E.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Joughin, I.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Aubry, D.
(Ecole Centrale de Paris France)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
March 8, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 32
Issue: L05503
Subject Category
Communications And Radar
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
ice velocity
Antarctic Ice Sheet
ice rigidity

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