[ESAC Student Seminar] Sarah Wells-Moran

“Ice Ice Baby: Investigating ice fracture processes using observational methods, continuum mechanics, and memes”

Abstract: The conditions under which ice fractures and calves off of Antarctic ice shelves are poorly understood due largely to a lack of observations of ice fracture processes. Though previous studies have estimated the stresses at which ice fractures in the laboratory and through sparse remotely-sensed observations, there remains significant uncertainty in the applicability of these results to naturally deforming glacier ice on a larger scale. Here, I aim to constrain the conditions under which fractures form, propagate, and calve large icebergs off of Antarctic ice shelves by analyzing large fractures in 2014, and by investigating the evolution of two fractures on Pine Island Glacier between 2015 and 2020. In particular, I aim to use observations to determine the rheological properties of ice that control fracture processes, such as tensile strength and fracture toughness. These results can inform and improve models for predicting ice fracture and calving events, and potentially contribute to the development of a universal calving law for use in ice sheet and sea level rise modeling.

ESAC Student Seminar Series

A forum for students and postdocs to share recent research, hone presentation skills, and build community among peers, sponsored by the EAPS Student Advisory Committee. Open to current EAPS graduate and undergraduate students and postdocs. Typically hosted on Thursdays during the semester, including pizza lunch.

Contact: esac.officers@gmail.com