Some Results from a Linear-Viscous Model of the Arctic Ice Cover

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Hibler, W. D., Tucker, W. B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1979
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Arctic; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000014283; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000014283

Abstract In order to assess the effect of non-local stress transferral through the ice cover empirically, a linear viscous model (employing both bulk and shear viscosities) is used to predict drift-rates for one Soviet and two U.S. drifting stations over the time period May 1962 to April 1964. The predictions, based on available atmospheric pressure and ocean-current data, are compared to free-drift results and to observed values. The empirical viscosity values giving the best fit to observations show a pronounced seasonal variation that correlates well with the growth rate of thin ice. Drift predictions, especially long-term net drift results, show drift magnitudes and turning angles to be simulated significantly better by a viscous model than by a free-drift model. The effects of steady currents are shown to be small for velocities averaged over days but significant for averages over years.