In:
Journal of Glaciology, International Glaciological Society, Vol. 54, No. 187 ( 2008), p. 715-724
Abstract:
High-resolution surface velocity measurements and passive seismic observations from Rutford Ice Stream, West Antarctica, 40 km upstream from the grounding line are presented. These measurements indicate a complex relationship between the ocean tides and currents, basal conditions and ice-stream flow. Both the mean basal seismicity and the velocity of the ice stream are modulated by the tides. Seismic activity increases twice during each semi-diurnal tidal cycle. The tidal analysis shows the largest velocity variation is at the fortnightly period, with smaller variations superimposed at diurnal and semi-diurnal frequencies. The general pattern of the observed velocity is two velocity peaks during each semi-diurnal tidal cycle, but sometimes three peaks are observed. This pattern of two or three peaks is more regular during spring tides, when the largest-amplitude velocity variations are observed, than during neap tides. This is the first time that velocity and level of seismicity are shown to correlate and respond to tidal forcing as far as 40 km upstream from the grounding line of a large ice stream.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-1430
,
1727-5652
DOI:
10.3189/002214308786570872
Language:
English
Publisher:
International Glaciological Society
Publication Date:
2008
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2140541-4
SSG:
14