Modelling The Greenland Ice Sheet following The Mid-Eemian

A study of the impact of including lateral variations in the sub-Greenland Earth rheology on the GrIS' evolution since the mid-Eemian in a coupled 3D ice sheet and 3D GIA model

Master thesis (2022)

Authors

G. Kempenaar Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

W. van der Wal (supervisor 1)
C.J. van Calcar Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering (supervisor 1)
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
Copyright: © 2022 Gydo Kempenaar
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Published Date

09-12-2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

Uncertainty in ice sheet modelling affects centennial and longer time-scale projections of the Greenland Ice Sheet's (GrIS) sea level contribution. One source of this uncertainty is the interaction between the ice sheet’s evolution and the Earth’s deformation in response to changes in the applied surface loading as the ice sheet waxes and wanes. Such deformation, Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA), causes a vertical displacement of the ice sheet’s surface which affects temperature dependent precipitation and ice ablation. The significance of this feedback mechanism depends on the magnitude of GIA which is dependent on the mantle’s viscosity. Studies find that the sub-Greenland mantle viscosity varies in three dimensions which leads to a spatially varying rate of GIA. Results obtained with an ice sheet model coupled with an Earth model including 3D variations in sub-Greenland viscosity illustrate its significant effect on the GrIS’ modelled evolution by affecting both elevation-melt and elevation-precipitation feedback mechanisms.