Ice-Front Retreat Controls on Ocean Dynamics Under Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctica

Ice-Front Retreat Controls on Ocean Dynamics Under Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctica

Poinelli, M. (TU Delft Physical and Space Geodesy; University of California; California Institute of Technology)
Nakayama, Y. (Hokkaido University)
Larour, E. (California Institute of Technology)
Vizcaino, M. (TU Delft Geoscience and Remote Sensing; TU Delft Physical and Space Geodesy)
Riva, R.E.M. (TU Delft Geoscience and Remote Sensing; TU Delft Physical and Space Geodesy)

Geoscience and Remote Sensing

2023

Iceberg A-68 separated from the Larsen C Ice Shelf in July 2017 and the impact of this event on the local ocean circulation has yet to be assessed. Here, we conduct numerical simulations of ocean dynamics near and below the ice shelf pre- and post-calving. Results agree with in situ and remote observations of the area as they indicate that basal melt is primarily controlled by wintertime sea-ice formation, which in turn produces High Salinity Shelf Water (HSSW). After the calving event, we simulate a 50% increase in HSSW intrusion under the ice shelf, enhancing ocean heat delivery by 30%. This results in doubling of the melt rate under Gipps Ice Rise, suggesting a positive feedback for further retreat that could destabilize the Larsen C Ice Shelf. Assessing the impact of ice-front retreat on the heat delivery under the ice is crucial to better understand ice-shelf dynamics in a warming environment.

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:2b6deb40-5296-456a-bcbc-63da2058600f

https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL104588

0094-8276

Geophysical Research Letters, 50 (18)

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2023 M. Poinelli, Y. Nakayama, E. Larour, M. Vizcaino, R.E.M. Riva