Application of a flow model to the ice-divide region of Devon Island ice cap, Canada

Abstract

The steady-state flow model of Reeh is applied to a flow line that starts at the highest point of the Devon Island ice cap, follows the surface crest for 7.6km, and then runs down the slope for a further 3.7km. The effects of bedrock undulations, divergence of the flow lines, the variation of temperature with depth, and a basal layer of "soft' ice-age ice are taken into account. Depth profiles of effective shear stress, and of the components of velocity and normal strain-rate, are presented at selected points along the flow line. The model gives good predictions of the surface profile and of longitudinal and transverse surface strain-rates measured at ten points along the flow line. -from Authors