BOTTOM MELTING IN THE CENTRAL ZONE OF THE ICE SHIELD ON THE ANTARCTIC CONTINENT AND ITS INFLUENCE UPON THE PRESENT BALANCE OF THE ICE MASS

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Abstract
An analysis of the present balance of the ice mass on the Antarctic continent carried out by several authors, shows a substantial excess of supply over expenditure. However, no consideration was given to the possibility of a decrease in the amount of Antarctic ice by melting at its lower surface and a run-off of water. This paper is intended to fill this gap. A theoretical analysis shews that the possibility of such melting exists for a definite relationship between the ice thickness, the temperature at its surface, the rate of accumulation and the geothermal heat flow. Using numerical values for these factors, it is shown that throughout the entire central zone of the Antarctic ice cap, over an area of about 12 × 106 sq.km, there is continuous melting at the bed. Contours of the rates of bottom melting are given on a map of the continent. The maximun rate of melting is about 6–7 mm of water per year; the average rate in the area of melting is about 3 mm of water per year, equivalent to a volume not exceeding 20 km3 of water per year, and not more than several percent of the total ice balance of the continent.
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