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Observed thinning of Totten Glacier is linked to coastal polynya variability

Author

Listed:
  • A. Khazendar

    (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology)

  • M.P. Schodlok

    (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
    Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles)

  • I. Fenty

    (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology)

  • S.R.M. Ligtenberg

    (Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht, Utrecht University)

  • E. Rignot

    (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
    University of California, Irvine)

  • M.R. van den Broeke

    (Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht, Utrecht University)

Abstract

Analysis of ICESat-1 data (2003–2008) shows significant surface lowering of Totten Glacier, the glacier discharging the largest volume of ice in East Antarctica, and less change on nearby Moscow University Glacier. After accounting for firn compaction anomalies, the thinning appears to coincide with fast-flowing ice indicating a dynamical origin. Here, to elucidate these observations, we apply high-resolution ice–ocean modelling. Totten Ice Shelf is simulated to have higher, more variable basal melting rates. We link this variability to the volume of cold water, originating in polynyas upon sea ice formation, reaching the sub-ice-shelf cavity. Hence, we propose that the observed increased thinning of Totten Glacier is due to enhanced basal melting caused by a decrease in cold polynya water reaching its cavity. We support this hypothesis with passive microwave data of polynya extent variability. Considering the widespread changes in sea ice conditions, this mechanism could be contributing extensively to ice-shelf instability.

Suggested Citation

  • A. Khazendar & M.P. Schodlok & I. Fenty & S.R.M. Ligtenberg & E. Rignot & M.R. van den Broeke, 2013. "Observed thinning of Totten Glacier is linked to coastal polynya variability," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3857
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3857
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    Cited by:

    1. Daisuke Hirano & Takeshi Tamura & Kazuya Kusahara & Masakazu Fujii & Kaihe Yamazaki & Yoshihiro Nakayama & Kazuya Ono & Takuya Itaki & Yuichi Aoyama & Daisuke Simizu & Kohei Mizobata & Kay I. Ohshima , 2023. "On-shelf circulation of warm water toward the Totten Ice Shelf in East Antarctica," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Rongxing Li & Yuan Cheng & Tian Chang & David E. Gwyther & Martin Forbes & Lu An & Menglian Xia & Xiaohan Yuan & Gang Qiao & Xiaohua Tong & Wenkai Ye, 2023. "Satellite record reveals 1960s acceleration of Totten Ice Shelf in East Antarctica," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.

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