Ice Sheet Disintegration Scenarios for Sea Level Projections

A CAREER award project developed physically based bounds on ice sheet contributions to sea level rise using a three-dimensional discrete element model. The model simulated worst-case granular disintegration and best-case intact ice scenarios for specific glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica. The research was conducted by AMD_USAPDC, with results distributed through the Community Ice Sheet Model and last updated in 2017.

Use Cases

• Compare discrete element model outputs against continuum plastic yield stress models for regions like Helheim Glacier.
• Simulate the spectrum of ice sheet behavior by varying the strength and number of bonds between model ice blocks.
• Validate model scenarios using an experimental analogue ice dynamics lab developed by undergraduate researchers.
• Analyze model results for specific regions of interest, including Jakobshavn Isbræ and the Larsen Ice Shelf.

Strengths

• Model examines a spectrum from worst-case to best-case ice disintegration scenarios.
• Focuses on four named regions of interest: Helheim Glacier, Jakobshavn Isbræ, Pine Island Glacier, and Larsen Ice Shelf.

Limitations

• Dataset size, row count, and specific file formats are unknown.
• The underlying model data and simulation outputs are not directly described or accessible.
• Temporal coverage of the simulated projections is not specified.

Provenance

Source

NASA Earthdata via AMD_USAPDC, associated with a National Science Foundation CAREER award.

Collection Method

Results from a three-dimensional discrete element model simulating ice sheet dynamics.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, specifically Helheim Glacier, Jakobshavn Isbræ, Pine Island Glacier, and Larsen Ice Shelf.