Subglacial Hydrodynamics and Ice-Water Interactions
| When |
Oct 18, 2021
from 11:00 to 12:00 |
|---|---|
| Where | Amphi Descartes |
| Attendees |
Louis-Alexandre Couston |
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Ice and liquid water coexist and interact on planets and moons throughout the solar system. Understanding the dynamics and evolution of ice-water systems is important to planetary climates and astrobiology. In this talk, I will discuss two topics related to ice-water interactions: (i) the melting of Earth's cryosphere, and (ii) the dynamics of Antarctic subglacial lakes, which may be considered as terrestrial analogues of subglacial water pockets on icy moons. Using high-resolution simulations of idealized physical models of subglacial hydrodynamics and phase changes, I will present recent results on (i) the topography of ice-water interfaces at the base of ice shelves surrounding the Antarctic peninsula, and (ii) the intensity of turbulent convection in enclosed subglacial lakes. I will discuss the implications of these results on the prediction of ice melt rates and the dispersion of particulates (sediments, microorganisms) in subglacial environments.