Ice sheet-ocean interaction at continental margins

The future of Antarctica and parts of marine-based Greenland will depend in large part on how fast a warmer polar ocean will erode its continental margin from below and force a de-stabilization of glacier grounding lines. In recent decades, we have witnessed grounding line retreat rates of kilometers per year in West Antarctica along deep troughs that extend in the deep interior of Antarctica, hence conducive to marine ice sheet instability. I will review the scientific and technological challenges of this research. I will describe recent progress using fast-repeat satellite radar interferometry, satellite laser altimetry, and field surveys using remote operated vehicles, radar sounders and seismic profilers.

Speaker: Eric Rignot, glaciologist

Attend in person (Room 350/372) or online (see weblink)