SHIMP The subglacial hydrology model intercomparison Project
OPEN ACCESS
Author / Producer
Date
2018-12
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
Citations
Altmetric
OPEN ACCESS
Data
Rights / License
Abstract
Subglacial hydrology plays a key role in many glaciological processes, including ice dynamics via the modulation of basal sliding. Owing to the lack of an overarching theory, however, a variety of model approximations exist to represent the subglacial drainage system. The Subglacial Hydrology Model Intercomparison Project (SHMIP) provides a set of synthetic experiments to compare existing and future models. We present the results from 13 participating models with a focus on effective pressure and discharge. For many applications (e.g. steady states and annual variations, low input scenarios) a simple model, such as an inefficient-system-only model, a flowline or lumped model, or a porous-layer model provides results comparable to those of more complex models. However, when studying short term (e.g. diurnal) variations of the water pressure, the use of a two-dimensional model incorporating physical representations of both efficient and inefficient drainage systems yields results that are significantly different from those of simpler models and should be preferentially applied. The results also emphasise the role of water storage in the response of water pressure to transient recharge. Finally, we find that the localisation of moulins has a limited impact except in regions of sparse moulin density.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
64 (248)
Pages / Article No.
897 - 916
Publisher
International Glaciological Society
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
glacier hydrology; glacier modelling; glaciological model experiments; ice-sheet modelling; subglacial processes
Organisational unit
08726 - Funk, Martin (Tit.-Prof.) (ehemalig)
Notes
Funding
Related publications and datasets
Is part of: https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000363347