Investigating the influence of meltwater runoff and near-terminus subglacial hydrology on the dynamics of Greenland's marine-terminating glacier margi

This project will investigate the influence of meltwater runoff and near-terminus subglacial hydrology on the dynamic stability of marine-terminating glaciers draining the Greenland Ice Sheet.This project will use a range of earth observation data to investigate the influence of ice-sheet runoff, subglacial hydrology and near-terminus fjord processes on the long-term dynamic stability of MTGs draining the GrIS. More specifically, the project will quantify how ice-motion at Greenland's MTGs has responded spatially and temporally to changes in subglacial discharge, near-terminus subglacial hydraulic efficiency and variations in calving and frontal (submarine) ablation. The project will be delivered via the following objectives:

O1) Determine, at high spatial and temporal resolution, how MTG velocity, terminus position and surface elevation have changed in recent decades at a suite of (~10) fast-flowing glaciers. O2) Determine seasonal/inter-annual evolution in meltwater-runoff and subglacial hydraulic efficiency. O3) Determine the distribution of fjordwater temperatures and associated submarine melt-rates.

O4) Determine how MTGs will respond dynamically to increased meltwater-runoff associated with projected climate warming.