2001 Articles

Preliminary firn-densification model with 38-site dataset

Spencer, M. K.; Alley, Richard B.; Creyts, Timothy T.

Firn-densification modeling based on hot isostatic pressing with power-law creep is investigated using depth-density data from 38 sites that collectively have mean annual temperatures ranging from 216 to 256 K and accumulation rates ranging from 0.022 to 1.2 m w. e. a-1. We use an inverse technique to obtain free parameters in a simple physical model for different stages of time-dependent firn densification. Our model works as well as or slightly better than previous models interpolating within the data range, but extrapolating would require additional physics.