The Influence of Basal Hydrology on Glacier Sliding and Erosion

University Of Oregon Eugene, Eugene OR

Investigators

Abstract

The primary goal of the proposed research is to improve understanding of the influence of basal hydrology on glacier sliding and sediment transport. The project will develop quantitative, predictive models for the hydrological networks that underlie soft-bedded glaciers, and examine the implications for glacier sliding and erosion, with a view to incorporation into larger scale glacier and ice sheet simulations. The theoretical work will be complemented by laboratory studies that will inform choices for model parameters, and enable testing of key model predictions. In the laboratory, a 'Hele-Shaw cell' will be used to conduct freezing, solidification and saturation experiments on till at different temperatures and loads. The Broader Impacts include the involvement of a graduate student and several undergraduate students, and the incorporation of the research into 'Geomechanics' and 'Computational Earth Sciences' courses taught by the PI.