New and improved determinations of velocity of ice streams B and C, West Antarctica

Abstract

Measurements of velocity have been made on and next to Ice Streams B and C, West Antarctica. The results are more precise than previous work and constitute a 93% increase in the number of values. These velocities are used to describe the confluence of flow into the ice streams and the development of fast icestream flow. The onset of fast-streaming flow occurs in many separate tributaries that coalesce down-glacier into the major ice streams. For those inter-stream ridges that have been studied, the flow is consistent with steady state. Along Ice Stream B, gradients in longitudinal stress offer little resistance to the ice flow. The transition from basal-drag control to ice-shelf flow is achieved through reduced drag at the glacier base and increased resistance associated with lateral drag. Velocities in the trunk of Ice Stream C are nearly zero but those at the up-glacial head are similar to those at the head of Ice Stream B.