The response of Petermann Glacier to large calving events and its future stability in the context of atmospheric and oceanic warming
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Issue Date
2012-11-05Author
van der Veen, Cornelis J.
Nick, F. M.
Luckman, A.
Vieli, A.
van As, D.
Van De Wal, R. S. W.
Pattyn, F.
Hubbard, A. L.
Floricioiu, D.
Publisher
International Glaciological Society
Type
Article
Article Version
Scholarly/refereed, publisher version
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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.
Description
This is the published version, also available here: http://www.dx.doi.org/10.3189/2012JoG11J242.
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Citation
Nick, F. M., Luckman, A., Vieli, A., Vanderveen, C. J. Van As, D., Van De Wal, R.S.W., Pattyn, F., Hubbard, A. L., Floricioiu, D. "The response of Petermann Glacier to large calving events and its future stability in the context of atmospheric and oceanic warming." (2012) Journal of Glaciology. 58, 208. pp 229-239. http://www.dx.doi.org/10.3189/2012JoG11J242.
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