top of page

Tidally modulated glacier flow

The ability to predict sea level rise is contingent on our understanding the processes responsible for flow of ice streams and glaciers. The role of tidal forcing on glacier movement is poorly understood. Using our custom servo-hydraulic friction apparatus, we have conducted experiments of ice sliding on rock forced with periodic velocity. We are exploring the influence of temperature, normal stress, frequency and amplitude.

Top left: sample data from a single experiment in the double direct shear configuration (inset). Friction responds to the velocity oscillations. Left: Loading a sample wearing our "warm suit". Above: custom, servo-hydraulic biaxial friction apparatus 

bottom of page