Advanced Search »

Newsletter


	We expect major site improvements soon. To be informed of important news about our site, enter your email here. Of course, you can always unsubscribe later. Your address will not be released to others.

Unsubscribe »

National Science Foundation Award #0230338

Collaborative Research: Mechanics of Dry-Land Calving of Ice Cliffs

Investigator(s):

Bernard Hallet (PI)

Sponsor:

University of Washington, WA 98105 2065434043

Start Date/Expiration Date

2003-05-01 to 2006-04-30 (amended 2005-06-03)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$266,650

Abstract: This award supports a comprehensive study of land-based polar ice cliffs. Through field measurements, modeling, and remote sensing, the physics underlying the formation of ice cliffs at the margin of Taylor Glacier in the McMurdo Dry Valleys will be investigated. At three sites, measurements of ice deformation and temperature fields near the cliff face will be combined with existing energy balance data to quantify ice-cliff evolution over one full seasonal cycle. In addition, a small seismic network will monitor local "ice quakes" associated with calving events. Numerical modeling, validated by the field data, will enable determination of the sensitivity of ice cliff evolution to environmental variables. There are both local and global motivations for studying the ice cliffs of Taylor Glacier. On a global scale, this work will provide insight into the fundamental processes of calving and glacier terminus A better grasp of ice cliff processes will also improve boundary conditions required for predicting glaciers' response to climate change. Locally, the Taylor Glacier is an important component of the McMurdo Dry Valleys landscape and the results of this study will aid in defining ecologically-important sources of glacial meltwater and will lead to a better understanding of moraine formation at polar ice cliffs. This study will help launch the career of a female scientist, will support one graduate student, and provide experiential learning experiences for two undergraduates. The post-doctoral researcher will also use this research in the curriculum of a wilderness science experiential education program for high school girls.

NSF Org:

ANT - Antarctic Sciences Section

Award Number:

0230338

Award Instrument:

Continuing grant

Program Manager:

Julie Palais
ANT Antarctic Sciences Section
OPP Office of Polar Programs

NSF Program(s):

ANTARCTIC GLACIOLOGY

Field Application(s):

Polar Programs-Related

Program Reference Code(s):

UNASSIGNED, 0000

Program Element Code(s):

5116