Modelled dynamic retreat of Kangerlussuaq Glacier, East Greenland, strongly influenced by the consecutive absence of an ice mélange in Kangerlussuaq Fjord

Abstract Mass loss at the Greenland Ice Sheet is influenced by atmospheric processes controlling its surface mass balance, and submarine melt calving where glaciers terminate in fjords. There, an ice mélange – a composite matrix of calved bergs sea may provide buttressing force on glacier terminus control dynamics. Kangerlussuaq Glacier major outlet Sheet, for which recent retreat events 2004/2005 2016–2018 coincided with absence Fjord. To better understand response to climatic oceanic drivers, 2D flowline model employed. Results indicate that exerts frequency rapid retreat. When forms Fjord, it provides stabilising forces conditions favourable winter re-advance. fails form during consecutive years, results primed into large overdeepenings positions more than 30 km farther inland, implying excessive from year 2065 cannot be excluded.