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Patterns of calculated basal drag on ice streams B and C, Antarctica
Whillans, I. M. van der Veen, Cornelis J.
Whillans, I. M.
van der Veen, Cornelis J.
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Abstract
Patterns of strain rate and slope on the ice streams are unusual.
They cannot be accounted for in the usual way as due to standing waves in ice flow
over a basal obstruction to flow (such as a sticky spot) . The features are studied using
the force-budget technique. The conventional flow law is used, together with
measurements of surface strain rate and shape of the glacier, to compute basal drag.
The results for Ice Stream C are as expected, in that the drag varies from site to site
but is directed inland, restraining the flow. The calculated drag at the base of Ice
Stream B, on the other hand, is in places such that it acts to propel the glacier
forward. This result is untenable. Either the conventional flow law is not applicable
to Ice Stream B or there are large spatial variations in ice stiffness, perhaps associated
with foliation, or both.
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This is the published version.
Date
1993-10-05
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International Glaciological Society
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Citation
Whillans, I. M. & Van Der Veen, C. J. "Patterns of calculated basal drag on ice streams B and C, Antarctica." Journal of Glaciology. 39, 133. 437-446. http://www.igsoc.org:8080/journal/39/133/igs_journal_vol39_issue133_pg437-446.pdf.