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Basal freeze-on generates complex ice-sheet stratigraphy

Author

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  • G. J.-M. C. Leysinger Vieli

    (University of Zurich)

  • C. Martín

    (Natural Environment Research Council)

  • R. C. A. Hindmarsh

    (Natural Environment Research Council)

  • M. P. Lüthi

    (University of Zurich)

Abstract

Large, plume-like internal ice-layer-structures have been observed in radar images from both Antarctica and Greenland, rising from the ice-sheet base to up to half of the ice thickness. Their origins are not yet understood. Here, we simulate their genesis by basal freeze-on using numerical ice-flow modelling and analyse the transient evolution of the emerging ice-plume and the surrounding ice-layer structure as a function of both freeze-on rate and ice flux. We find good agreement between radar observations, modelled ice-plume geometry and internal layer structure, and further show that plume height relates primarily to ice-flux and only secondarily to freeze-on. An in-depth analysis, performed for Northern Greenland of observed spatial plume distribution related to ice flow, basal topography and water availability supports our findings regarding ice flux and suggests freeze-on is controlled by ascending subglacial water flow. Our results imply that widespread basal freeze-on strongly affects ice stratigraphy and consequently ice-core interpretations.

Suggested Citation

  • G. J.-M. C. Leysinger Vieli & C. Martín & R. C. A. Hindmarsh & M. P. Lüthi, 2018. "Basal freeze-on generates complex ice-sheet stratigraphy," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-07083-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07083-3
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