Large-Scale Dynamics of Ice Shelves

Abstract

Ice shelves are floating ice masses, which are connected to and nourished by a grounded ice sheet (see Fig. 5.1). Most ice shelves, like the three major ice shelves of Antarctica (Ross Ice Shelf, Filchner-Rønne Ice Shelf, Amery Ice Shelf), are confined by large embayments. Smaller ice shelves can also be unconfined. In the latter case, stabilisation typically results from the contact with small islands or grounding on shoals.