Basal freeze-on generates complex ice-sheet stratigraphy

G. J.-M. C. Leysinger Vieli (), C. Martín, R. C. A. Hindmarsh and M. P. Lüthi
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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

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07083-3

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