Author(s): M. A. Hopkins; J. Tuhkuri
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: When two floating ice sheets are pushed together they either raft or ridge. In this work both processes are simulated using a two-dimensional discrete element model. During ridge formation blocks broken from the sheets accumulate to form the ridge sail and keel. During rafting events one sheet overrides the other. Frequently, the two processes alternate. The accuracy of the simulations is assessed by comparison with a series of similar model experiments. Following thi s comparison the computer model is used to perform simulations to explore the effect of the thickness and the thickness inhomogeneity of the ice sheets on the likelihood of occurrence of ridging and rafting. Inhomogeneity is treated using sheets composed of two thicknesses. The transitional behaviour between ridging and rafting is characterized through an analysis of the energetics.
Year: 1998