On mechanisms of calving from Antarctic ice shelves

• Antragsteller: Professor Dr.-Ing. Ralf Müller, seit 2/2014
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Physik, Chemie und Biologie des Meeres
• Förderung: Förderung von 2011 bis 2018
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 198534210

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.

• DFG-Verfahren: Infrastruktur-Schwerpunktprogramme
• Teilprojekt zu: SPP 1158: Bereich Infrastruktur - Antarktisforschung mit vergleichenden Untersuchungen in arktischen Eisgebieten
• Ehemalige Antragstellerin: Professorin Dr. Angelika Humbert, bis 2/2014