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Date
Abstract
This review of the dynamics of the flow of glaciers and ice sheets focusses on the mathematical models which have been developed to explain a number of observations in the behaviour of these large ice masses. It takes a personal view, starting with an account of the historical development of the subject, followed by a tour of some of the observational puzzles and theoretical solutions which I have found most intriguing. Most of the discourse involves basal processes: glacier sliding, subglacial hydrology, bedform generation. I describe in some detail wave ogives, surging glaciers, subglacial floods and subglacial bedforms. I variously explore issues in sliding theory: sub-temperate sliding, slip or till deformation; the rheology of till; the status of the instability theory of drumlin formation. And in an effort to broaden the field of view, I include discussion of Dansgaard-Oeschger and Heinrich events, grounding line stability, and the formation of eskers and, particularly, flutes.
Supervisor
Description
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Citation
Geophysical & Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
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Fowler_2024_Glacier.pdf
Adobe PDF, 15.26 MB
Funding code
Funding Information
Sustainable Development Goals
External Link
Type
Article
Rights
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/