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A Decade of Variability on Jakobshavn Isbrae: Ocean Temperatures Pace Speed Through Influence on Mélange Rigidity
Ian Joughin1, David E Shean2, Benjamin E Smith1
1Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, 98105, USA.
The Cryosphere
|May 2, 2020
Summary
Greenland's Jakobshavn Isbrae glacier shows seasonal speed changes influenced by winter ocean cooling affecting ice mélange rigidity. This impacts glacier advance and calving, with surface depressions forming near flotation.
Area of Science:
- Glaciology
- Oceanography
- Climate Science
Background:
- Jakobshavn Isbrae, Greenland's fastest glacier, exhibits significant speed variations.
- Understanding glacier dynamics is crucial for predicting sea-level rise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavior of Jakobshavn Isbrae over the past decade.
- To analyze the interplay between glacier velocity, mélange rigidity, and surface elevation.
Main Methods:
- Observations of surface velocity.
- Mélange rigidity measurements.
- Surface elevation monitoring.
Main Results:
- A seasonal cycle of summer speedup/thinning and winter slowdown/thickening was observed.
- Rigid mélange in winters 2016-17 and 2017-18 coincided with terminus advances and cooler Disko Bay waters.
- Ocean's influence on winter mélange rigidity appears dominant over summer submarine melting.
- Surface depressions forming near flotation precede major calving events.
- Steep cliffs tend to form short floating extensions rather than catastrophic failure.
Conclusions:
- Ocean-driven winter mélange rigidity significantly influences Jakobshavn Isbrae's behavior.
- Glacier terminus position and ocean temperature are key factors in seasonal speed variations.
- Further monitoring is needed to determine if the recent slowdown is ending.
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