Numerical models of idealized ice shelf flow

We present numerical model results on the flow of idealized, i.e. geometrically simple, fully specified ice shelves under a variety of boundary conditions. Using a timedependent finite- element model, we construct their steady- state ice thickness- and velocity distributions by solving mass continuity, stress equilibrium and constitutive relations. The numerical domain is represented by rectangular elements of constant size. We discuss the following set of simulations: (i) one-ice stream models and (ii) two-ice stream models including a central ice rise, both with zero and constant ice stream inflow. The model results yield useful insight into the dynamics of natural ice shelves. They also yield estimates on minimum requirements for field measurements, which will allow detection of time- dependent ice stream flow rates.