Fundamentals of Glacier Dynamics

Measuring, monitoring, and modeling technologies and methods changed the field of glaciology significantly in the 14 years since the publication of the first edition of Fundamentals of Glacier Dynamics. Designed to help readers achieve the basic level of understanding required to describe and model the flow and dynamics of glaciers, this second edition provides a theoretical framework for quantitatively interpreting glacier changes and for developing models of glacier flow. See What’s New in the Second Edition: Streamlined organization focusing on theory, model development, and data interpretation Introductory chapter reviews the most important mathematical tools used throughout the remainder of the book New chapter on fracture mechanics and iceberg calving Consolidated chapter covers applications of the force-budget technique using measurements of surface velocity to locate mechanical controls on glacier flow The latest developments in theory and modeling, including the addition of a discussion of exact time-dependent similarity solutions that can be used for verification of numerical models The book emphasizes developing procedures and presents derivations leading to frequently used equations step by step to allow readers to grasp the mathematical details as well as physical approximations involved without having to consult the original works. As a result, readers will have gained the understanding needed to apply similar techniques to somewhat different applications. Extensively updated with new material and focusing more on presenting the theoretical foundations of glacier flow, the book provides the tools for model validation in the form of analytical steady-state and time-evolving solutions. It provides the necessary background and theoretical foundation for developing more realistic ice-sheet models, which is essential for better integration of data and observations as well as for better model development.

Mathematical ToolsVectors and TensorsStress and StrainError AnalysisParametric Uncertainty AnalysisCalculating Strain RatesIce DeformationCreep of Glacier IceConstitutive RelationMore about the Constitutive RelationFabric Effects in Glacier IceCreep in Axially Symmetric IceMechanics of Glacier FlowForce BalanceInterpreting Force BalanceThe Force-Budget TechniqueBridging EffectsStokes Equation Applied to Glacier FlowCreep Closure of Englacial TunnelsModeling Glacier FlowIntroductionLamellar FlowIncluding Lateral DragGlacier Flow Controlled by Lateral DragIce-Shelf SpreadingAlong-Flow Variations in Glacier FlowFlow Near an Ice DivideEquilibrium Profiles of GlaciersPerfect PlasticityContinuity EquationSteady-State Profiles along a FlowlineSteady-State Profile of an Axisymmetric Ice SheetSteady-State Profile of a Free-Floating Ice ShelfFlow Controlled by Lateral DragGlacier ThermodynamicsConservation of EnergySteady-State Temperature ProfilesEffect of Horizontal Heat AdvectionThermal Response of a Glacier to Changes in ClimateRadiation Balance at the Surface of a GlacierTurbulent Heat FluxesPhysical Properties of FirnCalculated Near-Surface Snow Temperatures at SouthPole StationSubglacial ProcessesIntroductory ConceptsSliding with CavitationGlacier Flow over a Soft BedSubglacial HydraulicsTunnel DrainageFracturesSurface CrevassesFracture MechanicsTwo-Dimensional Crevasse PropagationBasal CrevassesIceberg CalvingNumerical Ice-Sheet ModelsIntroductory RemarksNumerical MethodsModel Driven by Shear Stress OnlyFlowBand ModelCalculating the Temperature FieldGeodynamicsIce-Shelf ModelsDynamics of Glaciers and Ice SheetsResponse to Changes in Surface Mass BalanceResponse to Grounding Line ThinningTime-Dependent Similarity SolutionsGlacier SurgesMarine InstabilityInterpreting ObservationsIntroductory RemarksLocating Mechanical ControlsEstimating the Role of Gradients in Longitudinal StressEstimating Resistance from Lateral DragReferencesIndex

C. J. van der Veen is a glaciologist interested in the dynamics of fast-moving glaciers and ice streams. His research focuses on using measurements of ice velocity and glacier geometry to identify mechanical controls on glaciers and how changes in these controls affect glacier flow and stability. After completing his PhD at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, he spent 20 years at The Ohio State University as a research scientist with the Byrd Polar Research Center (1986–2006). He is currently a professor in the Geography Department and research scientist with the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets at the University of Kansas.