Rheology of Basal Ice

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This award supports a two year study of the rheology of basal ice. The study has two principal parts: 1) measurements of the ice flow field around an artificial irregularity at the base of the glacier Engabreen in northern Norwway; and 2) development of a theoretical (numerical) model, that describes the threedimensional flow field in basal ice. Tunnels through the bedrock beneath Engabreen, will provide the unique setting and opportunity to directly measure the flow field in basal ice. The velocity field will be determined by using a video camera to monitor the position of markers in the ice. The numerical model will be based on an existing finite element code at the University of Minnesota, taking advantage of the facilities at the Minnesota Supercomputer Institute. Comparison between the model and the experimentally observed flow fields will permit an evaluation of various constitutive laws. Numerical values will be determined for the material constants in the models that give the best fit to the observed flow field.