Authors: Price, S.F.; Bindschadler, R.A.; Hulbe, C.L.; Joughin, I.R.

Source: Journal of Glaciology, Volume 47, Number 157, March 2001 , pp. 283-294(12)

Publisher: International Glaciological Society

Abstract:

The region where two active tributaries feed into the now stagnant Ice Stream C (ISC), West Antarctica, is thickening. In this region, we observe a correlation between faster ice flow (the tributaries) and elevated topography. We conclude that stagnation of ISC resulted in compression and thickening along the tributaries, eventually forming a "bulge" on the ice-sheet surface. Modern hydraulic potential gradients would divert basal meltwater from ISC to Ice Stream B (ISB). These gradients are primarily controlled by the bulge topography, and so likely formed subsequent to trunk stagnation. As such, we argue against "water piracy" as being the cause for ISC's stagnation. Kinematic-wave theory suggests that thickness perturbations propagate downstream over time, but that kinematic-wave speed decreases near the stagnant trunk. This and modest diffusion rates combine to trap most of the tributary-fed ice in the bulge region. Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar velocity measurements, we observe that half of the ice within ISC's southern tributary flows into ISB. That flow pattern and other observations of non-steady flow in the region likely result from stagnation-induced thickening along upper ISC combined with a longer period of thinning on upper ISB. If current trends in thickness change continue, more ice from upper ISC will be diverted to ISB.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/172756501781832232

Publication date: 2001-03-01

More about this publication?

• The Journal of Glaciology is published six times per year. It accepts submissions from any discipline related to the study of snow and ice. All articles are peer reviewed. The Journal is included in the ISI Science Citation Index.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Geology ,  Meteorology & Climatology
• By this author: Price, S.F. ;  Bindschadler, R.A. ;  Hulbe, C.L. ;  Joughin, I.R.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers