On mechanisms of calving from Antarctic ice shelves

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This project aims to investigate the mechanisms of calving of tabular icebergs from Antarctic ice shelves. Calving is the final consequence of a fracture propagating through an ice shelf, which also behaves as a viscous material. Thus we will apply ice flow dynamical concepts in conjunction with fracture mechanical approaches. Theoretical investigations and numerical simulations lead to a formulation and determination of calving rates. Therefore, two and three dimensional finite element models will be developed, with which sensitivity studies and prognostic simulations will be carried out. The dependency of the mechanisms, and thus the calving rate, on typical geometrical setups, external forcing and material parameters is evaluated. Calving rates are crucial for the evolution of the position of the ice front. The knowledge of appropriate calving rates is required to predict the changes of the extent of the Antarctic ice sheet.