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Other research product . 2018

Coupling of climate models and ice sheet models by surface mass balance gradients: application to the Greenland Ice Sheet

Helsen, M. M.; Wal, R. S. W.; Broeke, M. R.; Berg, W. J.; Oerlemans, J.;
Open Access
English
Published: 27 Sep 2018
Abstract

It is notoriously difficult to couple surface mass balance (SMB) results from climate models to the changing geometry of an ice sheet model. This problem is traditionally avoided by using only accumulation from a climate model, and parameterizing the meltwater run-off as a function of temperature, which is often related to surface elevation (Hs). In this study, we propose a new strategy to calculate SMB, to allow a direct adjustment of SMB to a change in ice sheet topography and/or a change in climate forcing. This method is based on elevational gradients in the SMB field as computed by a regional climate model. Separate linear relations are derived for ablation and accumulation, using pairs of Hs and SMB within a minimum search radius. The continuously adjusting SMB forcing is consistent with climate model forcing fields, also for initially non-glaciated areas in the peripheral areas of an ice sheet. When applied to an asynchronous coupled ice sheet – climate model setup, this method circumvents traditional temperature lapse rate assumptions. Here we apply it to the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS). Experiments using both steady-state forcing and glacial-interglacial forcing result in realistic ice sheet reconstructions.

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Funded by
EC| ICE2SEA
Project
ICE2SEA
Ice2sea - estimating the future contribution of continental ice to sea-level rise
  • Funder: European Commission (EC)
  • Project Code: 226375
  • Funding stream: FP7 | SP1 | ENV
Related to Research communities
European Marine Science Marine Environmental Science : Estimating the future contribution of continental ice to sea-level rise
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