Margin Migration of Siple Dome Ice Streams

Using measured topography and ice temperatures, we concluded that large enhancement factors, presumably due to ice fabric re-orientation, were needed to explain the surface velocity gradients. This result was presented at WAIS 2001.

In further work, we then found that an appropriate treatment of continuum damage mechanics (Pralong et al., 2003) can also lead to weakening of ice at the margins (Luthi et al, WAIS 2001). To compare Whillans Ice Stream to other ice streams we compared its flow to that of Jakobshavn Isbrae (Truffer and Echelmeyer, 2003). This work highlighted the differences between shallow and flat ice streams on very weak beds and steeper outlet glaciers flowing through deep troughs.