Basal-flow characteristics of a non-linear flow sliding frictionless over strongly undulating bedrock

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Gudmundsson, G. Hilmar
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1997
• Subjects: Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000002835; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000002835

Abstract The flow field of a medium sliding without friction over a strongly undulating surface is calculated numerically. The results are used to elucidate the basal-flow characteristics of glacier flow and they are discussed with reference to known analytical solutions. Extrusion flow is found to become increasingly pronounced as the value of n, where n is a parameter in Glen’s flow law, becomes larger. For sinusoidal bedrock undulations, a flow separation occurs if the amplitude-to-wavelength ratio exceeds a critical value of about 0.28. The main flow then sets up a secondary flow circulation within the trough, and the ice participating in this circular motion theoretically never leaves it. The sliding velocity is calculated numerically as a function of the mean basal shear stress, the amplitude-to-wavelength ratio and the flow parameter n. For moderate and high slope fluctuations, the sliding velocity is significantly different from what would be expected from results based on the small-slope approximation.