A fully three-dimensional finite-element model applied to velocities on Storglaciären, Sweden

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Hanson, Brian
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1995
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Storglaciären; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000017792; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000017792

Abstract A finite-element model that solves the stress-balance equations for glacier dynamics in three dimensions has been developed by extending previous flow-plane models. This model retains all terms of the stress tensor and uses a Glen-type power law for viscosity calculations. In the paper, the model is applied to Storglaciären, Sweden, to explore both the glacier’s dynamics and the model’s characteristics. Values of the stiffness parameter B of 0.20–0.22 MPa year 1/n were required to match observed strain rates on Storglaciären. Overall velocities required imposition of a problematically small sliding speed. Stress fields implied by the model simulation showed that the glacier receives its largest driving force from a high-slope zone near the equilibrium line, and that a large proportion of the resistive stress comes from lateral drag. Lateral drag is enhanced on this glacier by being frozen to its sidewalls and by a turning of the main flow as it comes out of the main, or northern, cirque.