Simulating ice-shelf extent using damage mechanics

Abstract Inaccurate representations of iceberg calving from ice shelves are a large source uncertainty in mass-loss projections the Antarctic sheet. Here, we address this limitation by implementing and testing continuum damage-mechanics model continental scale ice-sheet model. The formulation, based on linear stability analysis subsequent long-wavelength approximation crevasses that evolve viscous medium, links damage evolution to climate forcing large-scale stresses within an shelf. We incorporate into BISICLES test it applying idealized (1) tongues, for which present analytical solutions (2) buttressed ice-shelf geometries. Our simulations show reproduces disparity lengths with geometries melt rates broadly similar those four shelves: Erebus Glacier Tongue (length ~ 13 km), unembayed portion Drygalski Ice (~ 65 Amery Shelf 350 km) Ross 500 km). These results demonstrate our simple holds promise constraining realistic extents models computationally tractable manner.