Sensitivity tests of coupled ice-sheet/ice-stream dynamics in the EISMINT experimental ice block

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Abstract
A continuum mixture model of coupled ice-sheet/ice-stream dynamics has been developed within a conventional three-dimensional finite-difference model framework. The ice mass is areally divided into sheet-ice and stream-ice components. Dynamic evolution of each component is solved with coupling terms to describe mass exchange between flows. In this way, ice-stream fluxes can be incorporated in a rigorous dynamical model with only a doubling of computational cost. This paper presents simple model tests using the EISMINT experimental ice block, a 1500 km × 1500 km ice sheet which rests on a flat bed. Ice-stream behaviour is investigated for a range of coupling rules and activation scenarios. In simple tests presented here, we find that the viscous response time of source ice feeding the ice stream may be a factor limiting ice-stream vigour and longevity.

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