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Download fileRegional changes in icescape impact shelf circulation and basal melting
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 13:28 authored by Eva CougnonEva Cougnon, Benjamin Galton-FenziBenjamin Galton-Fenzi, Stephen Rintoul, Benoit LegresyBenoit Legresy, Guy Williams, Alexander FraserAlexander Fraser, John HunterJohn HunterIce shelf basal melt is the dominant contribution to mass loss from Antarctic ice shelves. However, the sensitivity of basal melt to changes in icescape (grounded icebergs, ice shelves and sea ice) and related ocean circulation is poorly understood. Here, we simulate the impact of the major 2010 calving event of the Mertz Glacier Tongue (MGT), East Antarctica, and related redistribution of sea ice and icebergs on the basal melt rate of the local ice shelves. We find that the position of the grounded tabular iceberg B9B controls the water masses that reach the nearby ice shelf cavities. After the calving of the MGT and the removal of B9B, warmer water is present both within the MGT cavity and on the continental shelf driving a 57% increase of the deep MGT basal melting. Major changes in icescape influence the oceanic heat flux responsible for basal ice shelf melting.
History
Publication title
Geophysical Research LettersVolume
44Issue
22Pagination
11,519-11,527ISSN
0094-8276Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Amer Geophysical UnionPlace of publication
2000 Florida Ave Nw, Washington, USA, Dc, 20009Rights statement
Copyright 2017 American Geophysical UnionRepository Status
- Restricted