Investigations of an 'ice plain' in the mouth of Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica

Corr, H.F.J.; Doake, C.S.M.; Jenkins, A.; Vaughan, D.G.. 2001 Investigations of an 'ice plain' in the mouth of Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica. Journal of Glaciology, 47 (156). 51-57. 10.3189/172756501781832395

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Abstract/Summary

We present newly acquired airborne radar data showing ice thickness and surface elevation for Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica. These data, when combined with earlier measurements, suggest the presence of a lightly grounded area immediately above the grounding line of Pine Island Glacier. We identify this region as a "ice plain". It lies close to the centre line of the glacier, has an elevation above buoyancy of <50 m and extends inland for >28 km. The upstream edge of the ice plain is defined by a "coupling line". The configuration of the ice plain implies that nearby thinning of the ice stream would result in substantial grounding-line retreat. We suggest that the grounding-line retreat of Pine Island Glacier, observed between 1992 and 1996, probably commenced sometime after 1981.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number/DOI:	10.3189/172756501781832395
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Antarctic Science in the Global Context (2000-2005) > Global Interactions of the Antarctic Ice Sheet
ISSN:	0022-1430
Date made live:	29 Jun 2012 10:18
URI:	http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/18550

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