Ice-shelf tidal flexure and subglacial pressure variations

We develop a model of an ice shelf-ice stream system as a viscoelastic beam partially supported by an elastic foundation. When bedrock near the grounding line acts as a fulcrum, leverage from the ice shelf dropping at low tide can cause significant (similar to 1 cm) uplift in the first few kilometers of grounded ice. This uplift and the corresponding depression at high tide lead to basal pressure variations of sufficient magnitude to influence subglacial hydrology. Tidal flexure may thus affect basal lubrication, sediment flow, and till strength, all of which are significant factors in ice-stream dynamics and grounding-line stability. Under certain circumstances, our results suggest the possibility of seawater being drawn into the subglacial water system. The presence of seawater beneath grounded ice would significantly change the radar reflectivity of the grounding zone and complicate the interpretation of grounded versus floating ice based on ice-penetrating radar observations. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.