Present stability of the Larsen C ice shelf, Antarctic Peninsula

摘要: We modelled the flow of Larsen C and northernmost D ice shelves, Antarctic Peninsula, using a model continuum mechanics flow, applied fracture criterion to simulated velocities investigate shelf's present-day stability. Constraints come from satellite data geophysical measurements 2008/09 austral summer. Ice-shelf thickness was derived BEDMAP ICESat data, density-depth relationship inferred our in situ seismic reflection data. obtained excellent agreements between measured ice-flow velocities, observed distributions rifts crevasses. Residual discrepancies regions predicted crevasses are concentrated zones where we assume significant amount marine therefore altered mechanical properties column. This emphasizes importance these shows that more needed understand their influence on ice-shelf Modelled corresponding stress distribution indicate shelf is stable at moment. However, weakening elongated could lead acceleration due decoupling slower parts northern inlets south Kenyon leading velocity similar B prior its disintegration.