Numerical simulations of cyclic behaviour in the Parallel Ice Sheet Model (PISM)

Published: Jun 1, 2012 by The PISM Authors

   
Title Numerical simulations of cyclic behaviour in the Parallel Ice Sheet Model (PISM)
Authors Ward van Pelt and Johannes Oerlemans
Venue Journal of Glaciology
Location simplified outlet glaciers

Numerical experiments are conducted on a synthetic topography with PISM, in which stress balance is connected to evolving thermodynamics and hydrology. The sensitivity of cyclic behaviour to changes in sliding-law parameters and the climate input is studied. Multiple types of oscillations were found, with strong variations in both amplitude and frequency. High-frequency oscillations (period 114–169 years), which are shown to have a major impact on ice velocities and a small effect on the ice volume, are related to variations in the water distribution at the base. Low-frequency cycles (period 1000+ years), which have a major impact on both velocities and ice volume, are linked to changes in the thermal regime.

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