In:
Geophysical Research Letters, American Geophysical Union (AGU), Vol. 36, No. 24 ( 2009-12)
Abstract:
To better understand mechanisms of ice‐sheet decay, we investigate the surface mass balance of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) during the early Holocene, a period of known rapid LIS retreat. We use a surface energy‐mass balance model (EMBM) driven with conditions derived from an equilibrium atmosphere‐ocean general circulation model 9 kilo‐years ago simulation. Our EMBM indicates a net LIS surface mass balance of −0.67 ± 0.13 m yr −1 , with losses primarily due to enhanced boreal summer insolation and warmer summers. This rate of loss compared to LIS volume reconstructions suggests that surface ablation accounted for 74 ± 22% of the LIS mass loss with the remaining loss likely driven by dynamics resulting in basal sliding and calving. Thus surface melting likely played a governing role in the retreat and disappearance of this ice sheet.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0094-8276
,
1944-8007
DOI:
10.1029/2009GL040948
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2021599-X
detail.hit.zdb_id:
7403-2
SSG:
16,13
