The PSU/UofC finite-element thermomechanical flowline model of ice-sheet evolution

Ice-sheet modeling to understand past changes and project future ones remains limited by uncertainties in key parameters as well as by shortage of computational resources. A fast two-dimensional dynamic/thermodynamic flowline ice-sheet model has been developed and benchmarked to complement three-dimensional models by allowing a more-thorough exploration of parameter space. A nonlinear Glen flow law with an exponent equal to 3 is assumed for ice. A diffusion formulation of the continuity equation for mass balance of ice sheets is employed. The ice-sheet model is coupled to an elastic lithosphere/relaxed asthenosphere isostatic bedrock model. Snow and superimposed ice thicknesses are deter-mined using advective continuity equations. These thicknesses are then used in the parameterization of the surface accumulation and ablation rates under specified meteorological conditions constrained by ice- and ocean-core data. Heat-flow continuity is maintained by the time-dependent advection/diffusion equation in the ice and time-dependent diffusion equation in the underlying rock. We conduct the first benchmarking of which we are aware of a 2-D model against the European Ice-Sheet Modeling Initiative's (EISMINT) Level 2 and Level 3 intercomparison "Greenland" experiments. Appropriate behavior is simulated, with deviations from results of a three-dimensional model that are fully explainable as arising only from the change in dimensionality. Basal temperatures are quite accurate when compared to data and results from 3-D models. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.