Modelling the interaction between Antarctica and the Southern Ocean

The increased loss of ice from the coastal margins of Antarctica (e.g. Wingham et al. 2006) is mostly due to the rapid thinning and retreat of ice streams, driven by the enhanced melting of the ice shelves that fringe the continent (e.g. Shepherd et al. 2004). The enhanced supply of cool and fresh glacial meltwater is the most likely cause of observed changes in the dense water that feeds the global overturning circulation (e.g. Rintoul, 2007). Understanding interactions between the ice sheet and oceans is essential for improved projections of the impacts of climate change on sea level rise and ocean heat and freshwater budgets.