Reversal of the Direction of Horizontal Velocities Induced by GIA as a Function of Mantle Viscosity

Abstract

In regions undergoing glacial isostatic adjustment present-day horizontal surface motion is observed to point mostly, but not always, away from the former ice load. To interpret these observations, we investigate the direction of horizontal velocities using glacial isostatic adjustment models. The direction is controlled by the opposing actions of inward mantle flow and outward lithosphere motion. In contrast with the prevailing idea that glacial isostatic adjustment-induced horizontal velocities point outward, we show that velocities can be either outward or inward. Immediately after deglaciation velocities point inward but change direction to outward after a time that is controlled by mantle viscosity. Present-day horizontal velocities point outward for a uniform mantle viscosity below 1020 Pa s and inward for above 1022 Pa s, with a combination of outward and inward in between. Our results help to interpret GPS-observed horizontal velocities in areas with varying mantle viscosity.