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Abstract / Description of output
We present measurements of ice thickness, gravimetry and surface elevation on Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica, separated by a period of 49 years. At one station, on the main trunk of the glacier we measured a surface elevation lowering with no significant change in ice thickness. We interpret these as indicating subglacial erosion of 31.8 +/- 13.4 m at this location, at a mean rate over the measurement period of 0.6 +/- 0.3 m a(-1), and suggest that a current erosion rate of similar to 1 m a(-1) is possible. Our results emphasize that locally, basal processes can have a significant effect on ice sheet changes, particularly where fast-flowing ice has an easily erodible bed.
Original language | English |
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Article number | L12501 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-5 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Geophysical Research Letters |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 23 Jun 2012 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- ICE STREAM
- SEISMIC OBSERVATIONS
- SHEET
- RATES
- THICKNESS
- BAY
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Dive into the research topics of 'Rapid subglacial erosion beneath Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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NERC British Antarctic Survey Core Programme: Ice Sheets
Vaughan, D. G. & Bingham, R.
1/04/09 → 30/09/13
Project: Project from a former institution