Mass Balance and Ice Stream Mechanics in West Antarctica

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9316509 Whillans This award is for support for a three year program to study the mass balance and ice stream mechanics in West Antarctica. This study will use recently collected data to further test and refine models for mechanical control on the ice streams and will refine mass balance calculations of the ice stream B drainage system. The first calculations of mass balance for ice stream D and E will also be made and an explanation will be sought for what appear to be stranded old shear margins within the ice streams. This work will lead to a better understanding of the reasons for the existence of the ice streams and the mechanisms that control their movement. Because changes in the West Antarctic ice sheet have direct impacts on global sea level it is important to understand both the past and present controls on the ice streams so as to predict their future course. ***