A finite-element model was implemented that relates the computed flow to some field and fabric observations recorded on the Law Dome ice cap, East Antarctica. The results of the model suggest that the general ice flow is markedly affected by the bedrock topography. The zones of measured anomalous flow correlate with significant changes in the modelled stress within the ice mass. Stress increases of up to 50% above the reduced model shear stress were obtained in the models where the ice moved over a bedrock rise. Stress relaxation also occurs in the ice mass as the ice moves downward to a lee depression. There is a marked oscillation in the direction of principal stress and this is responsible for the progressive development of a set of high stress zones that are superimposed on the down-slope ice movement.