Fragmentation theory reveals processes controlling iceberg size distributions

Abstract Iceberg calving strongly controls glacier mass loss, but the fracture processes leading to iceberg formation are poorly understood due stochastic nature of calving. The size distributions icebergs produced during process can yield information on driving and also affect timing, magnitude, spatial distribution ocean fresh water fluxes near glaciers ice sheets. In this study, we apply fragmentation theory describe key behaviours, based observational modelling data from Greenland Antarctica. both regions, is dominated by elastic-brittle processes, where contain exponential power law components describing large-scale uncorrelated correlated branching fracture, respectively. Other be observed. For Antarctic icebergs, change type ‘stable’ one grinding or crushing shelf disintegration events. Greenland, find that fragment evolve an initial front, into a steeper grinding/crushing-type along-fjord. These results provide entirely new framework for understanding how may react climate forcing.