Ice Flow of the Antarctic Ice Sheet

Ice Flow of the Antarctic Ice Sheet

2011-09-09 | E. Rignot, J. Mouginot, B. Scheuchl
The article presents a comprehensive, high-resolution digital mosaic of ice motion in Antarctica, assembled from multiple satellite interferometric synthetic-aperture radar data collected during the International Polar Year 2007 to 2009. The data reveal widespread, patterned, enhanced tributary flow over deformation-dominated ice sheet flow, providing new insights into ice sheet dynamics and implications for the reconstruction and prediction of ice sheet evolution. The study uses data from various satellite instruments, including RADARSAT-2, Envisat ASAR, and ALOS PALSAR, to create a detailed map of ice velocity, which ranges from a few cm/year near divides to a few km/year on fast-moving glaciers and floating ice shelves. The map highlights the dendritic nature of drainage systems, the anastomosing distribution of tributaries, and the extension of tributaries beyond grounding lines. The authors also discuss the impact of bedrock topography on ice flow and the presence of basal slip, which is a significant component of ice motion in Antarctica. The findings challenge traditional views of ice sheet flow and suggest a tighter connection between coastal and interior regions, with implications for improving reconstructions of past and ongoing changes in ice sheets.The article presents a comprehensive, high-resolution digital mosaic of ice motion in Antarctica, assembled from multiple satellite interferometric synthetic-aperture radar data collected during the International Polar Year 2007 to 2009. The data reveal widespread, patterned, enhanced tributary flow over deformation-dominated ice sheet flow, providing new insights into ice sheet dynamics and implications for the reconstruction and prediction of ice sheet evolution. The study uses data from various satellite instruments, including RADARSAT-2, Envisat ASAR, and ALOS PALSAR, to create a detailed map of ice velocity, which ranges from a few cm/year near divides to a few km/year on fast-moving glaciers and floating ice shelves. The map highlights the dendritic nature of drainage systems, the anastomosing distribution of tributaries, and the extension of tributaries beyond grounding lines. The authors also discuss the impact of bedrock topography on ice flow and the presence of basal slip, which is a significant component of ice motion in Antarctica. The findings challenge traditional views of ice sheet flow and suggest a tighter connection between coastal and interior regions, with implications for improving reconstructions of past and ongoing changes in ice sheets.
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