Application of a regularised Coulomb sliding law to Jakobshavn Isbræ, western Greenland

Abstract

Abstract. Reliable projections of future sea level rise from the polar ice sheets depend on the ability of ice sheet models to accurately reproduce flow dynamics in an evolving ice sheet system. Ice sheet models are sensitive to the choice of the basal sliding law, which remains a significant source of uncertainty. In this study we apply a range of sliding laws to a hindcast model of Jakobshavn Isbræ, western Greenland, from 2009 to 2018. We demonstrate that a linear viscous sliding law requires the assimilation of regular velocity observations into the model in order to reproduce the observed large seasonal and inter-annual variations in flow speed. This requirement introduces a major limitation for producing accurate future projections. A regularised Coulomb friction law, in which basal traction has an upper limit, is able to more accurately reproduce the range of speeds from 2012 to 2015, the period of peak flow and maximal retreat, without the requirement for assimilating regular observations. Additionally, we find evidence that the speed at which sliding transitions between power-law and Coulomb regimes may vary spatially and temporally. These results point towards the possible form of an ideal sliding parameterisation for accurately modelling fast-flowing glaciers and ice streams, although determining this is beyond the scope of this study.