Ice Sheet Dynamics

Ice sheet dynamics describe the motion within large bodies of ice, such those currently on Greenland and Antarctica. Ice motion is dominated by the movement of glaciers, whose gravity-driven activity is controlled by two main variable factors: the temperature and strength of their bases. A number of processes alter these two factors, resulting in cyclic surges of activity interspersed with longer periods of inactivity, on both hourly and centennial time scales.

Animation showing glacier changes. This animation shows the average yearly change in mass, in cm of water, during 2003–2010, over Greenland and Antarctica. Regions with large ice loss rates are denoted with the blue and purple colors. There are enormous ice loss rates over substantial regions of both ice sheets. A colorbar shows the range of values displayed. This animation shows the average yearly change in mass, in cm of water, during 2003–10, over the Indian subcontinent. The yellow circles mark locations of glaciers. There is significant mass loss in this region (denoted by the blue and purple colors), but it is concentrated over the plains south of the glaciers, and is caused by groundwater depletion. A color-bar overlay shows the range of values displayed. This animation shows the average yearly change in mass, in cm of water, during 2003–2010 from all of the worlds glaciers and ice caps (excluding Greenland and Antarctica). Regions with large ice loss rages stand out clearly as blue and purple. The yellow circles mark the locations of glaciers. A colorbar overlay shows the range of values displayed.