IngentaConnect Closure of deep boreholes in ice sheets: a discussion

Authors: Talalay, P.G.; Hooke, Roger LeB.

Source: Annals of Glaciology, Volume 47, Number 1, December 2007 , pp. 125-133(9)

Publisher: International Glaciological Society

Abstract:

The most frequently used relation between ice deformation rate, &epsi, and stress, τ, is the power law, commonly called Glen's flow law, ε = Aτⁿ, in which A is an ice stiffness parameter and n is an empirical constant. A can be estimated from the simple exponential relation A = EA₀e^Q/RT, where A₀ is a constant independent of temperature; E, commonly called the enhancement factor, depends on ice crystal orientation, impurity content and other factors; Q is the activation energy for creep; R is the universal gas constant; and T is the absolute temperature. Laboratory experiments yield values of A₀ = 9.514 MPa⁻³a⁻¹ for secondary creep. Typical borehole closure experiments then give E ≈ 0.16. This low value probably results from the fact that, when deforming into a borehole, ice is subject to stresses that are inconsistent with the preferred orientation of c axes that has developed over many years under a stress configuration with no borehole present. Closure data from Vostok hole 3G yield E ≈ 0.7. This higher value may reflect a unique stress environment yielding fabrics that are somewhat better oriented for borehole closure.

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