A one-dimensional flowline model applied to Kongsvegen

Abstract

A basic version of a one-dimensional numerical model describing a glacier, provided by Prof. Dr. Oerlemans, was slightly adapted and expanded to describe a well documented glacier. Kongsvegen (Spitsbergen, Svalbard) is known to be a surging glacier. Though the internal processes causing the surge were not part of this model, surging behaviour could be simulated by temporarily increasing the sliding parameter. After approximating the local geometry and establishing the duration of a necessary initial period in which the glacier builds up a sufficient volume of ice, the current conditions could be approximated and an artificially induced surge took place. The sliding parameter was increased with a Gaussian curve, leading to a value at its peak of roughly 20 times that of the quiescent phase.