Body motion in liquid under ice plate with snow cover

The motion of a submarine in liquid under an ice plate covered with flooded snow is considered. The ice is modelled as an elastic plate and the snow cover is modelled as a viscous layer on the top of the plate. The submarine is modelled as a slender solid of revolution with scale 1:300. The experimental and theoretical study of the influence of the viscous snow layer on deflections of the floating ice plate is conducted. The viscous layer reduces the amplitudes of flexural-gravity waves. The greatest influence of the viscous layer on the plate deflections is achieved for velocities of the submarine, where the waves of maximum amplitude are generated. Theoretical results are in good qualitative and quantitative agreement with the model experiments.     

The influence of the bottom contour on the deformed state of the ice cover due to the motion of the submarine

The authors have previously determined that the effectiveness and failure pattern of the ice cover caused by flexural-gravity waves generated by a submerged body motion near the bottom ice can greatly depend on the depth of the water area. In its turn, the presence of a ledge on the ice surface may affect a wave propagation pattern. This paper presents an experimental study of the bottom contour influence on the deflection and length of flexural-gravity waves. The authors describe a numerical model for the analysis of the deformed state of ice caused by hydrodynamic loads due to a submarine motion, taking into account the bottom contour. The experiments are carried out in the ice tank. The results of calculations and experiments are compared.     

Modelling of the passive turning of a turret moored vessel in conditions of compact ice

The concept of the offshore oil and gas field development using floating ship-shaped platforms, frequently named floating production units (FPU further), with turret mooring is widely used in the world, including regions with harsh environment. The direct transfer of this concept to the Arctic seas is not possible, mostly due to the difficulties of maintaining a weathervaning, or passive turning regime in heavy ice conditions. The main danger relates to the fact that the expected FPU rotation under the action of high ice loads can be accompanied by a translational displacement of the FPU away from the mooring point. As a result, the mooring system may reach an overloaded state until the FPU turns to a favourable position relative to the ice drift direction. In the paper, we are focused on the investigation of a mathematical model of the passive FPU turning on a spot under the assumption that the ice cover is described by a rigid-plastic continuum. The study is performed both analytically and by numerical simulations. A number of specific FPU motion patterns are analytically derived from the model in quasi-static approximation in the form of successive limit states of the system FPU – ice continuum. Some results of the corresponding numerical simulation are presented that confirm the existence of similar solutions in the full dynamic setting of the problem. A partial parametric analysis of the problem is also performed.     

A linear Boltzmann equation to model wave scattering in the marginal ice zone

We present a linear Boltzmann equation to model wave scattering in the Marginal Ice Zone (the region of ocean which consists of broken ice floes). The equation is derived by two methods, the first based on Meylan et al. [Meylan, M.H., Squire, V.A., Fox, C., 1997. Towards realism in modeling ocean wave behavior in marginal ice zones. J. Geophys. Res. 102 (C10), 22981–22991] and second based on Masson and LeBlond [Masson, D., LeBlond, P., 1989. Spectral evolution of wind-generated surface gravity waves in a dispersed ice field. J. Fluid Mech. 202, 111–136]. This linear Boltzmann equation, we believe, is more suitable than the equation presented in Masson and LeBlond [Masson, D., LeBlond, P., 1989. Spectral evolution of wind-generated surface gravity waves in a dispersed ice field. J. Fluid Mech. 202, 111–136] because of its simpler form, because it is a differential rather than difference equation and because it does not depend on any assumptions about the ice floe geometry. However, the linear Boltzmann equation presented here is equivalent to the equation in Masson and LeBlond [Masson, D., LeBlond, P., 1989. Spectral evolution of wind-generated surface gravity waves in a dispersed ice field. J. Fluid Mech. 202, 111–136] since it is derived from their equation. Furthermore, the linear Boltzmann equation is also derived independently using the argument in Meylan et al. [Meylan, M.H., Squire, V.A., Fox, C., 1997. Towards realism in modeling ocean wave behavior in marginal ice zones. J. Geophys. Res. 102 (C10), 22981–22991]. We also present details of how the scattering kernel in the linear Boltzmann equation is found from the scattering by an individual ice floe and show how the linear Boltzmann equation can be solved straightforwardly in certain cases.     

Ice-sheet dynamics through the Quaternary on the mid-Norwegian continental margin inferred from 3D seismic data

Reconstructing the evolution of ice sheets is critical to our understanding of the global environmental system, but most detailed palaeo-glaciological reconstructions have hitherto focused on the very recent history of ice sheets. Here, we present a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the changing nature of ice-sheet derived sedimentary architecture through the Quaternary Ice Age of almost 3 Ma. An extensive geophysical record documents a marine-terminating, calving Fennoscandian Ice Sheet (FIS) margin present periodically on the mid-Norwegian shelf since the beginning of the Quaternary. Spatial and temporal variability of the FIS is illustrated by the gradual development of fast-flowing ice streams and associated intensification of focused glacial erosion and sedimentation since that time. Buried subglacial landforms reveal a complex and dynamic ice sheet, with converging palaeo-ice streams and several flow-switching events that may reflect major changes in topography and basal thermal regime. Lack of major subglacial meltwater channels suggests a largely distributed drainage system beneath the marine-terminating part of the FIS. This palaeo-environmental examination of the FIS provides a useful framework for ice-sheet modelling and shows that fragmentary preservation of buried surfaces and variability of ice-sheet dynamics should be taken into account when reconstructing glacial history from spatially limited datasets.     

Alpine olivine- and titanian clinohumite-bearing assemblages in the Erro-Tobbio peridotite (Voltri Massif, NW Italy)

The microstructures in the Erro-Tobbio peridotite indicate several stages of recrystallization of olivine + titanian clinohumite-bearing assemblages. The development of these assemblages is closely associated with serpentinite mylonites, in which they occur in shear bands and foliations and are inferred to have grown synkinematically, in veins, and as post-kinematic radial aggregates. In the peridotite wall-rock adjacent to these mylonites, the same assemblages have recrystallized statically at the expense of original olivine and pyroxenes, mesh-textured chrysolite and antigorite veins. In addition, the olivine-bearing assemblage occurs in widespread vein systems. The brittle deformation of the peridotite resulting in the development of these vein systems is closely related to ductile deformation of metagabbroic dykes in the peridotite. Although early metasomatism resulted in extensive rodingitization of the gabbros, some dykes show an eclogitic assemblage of Na-clinopyroxene + garnet + chloritoid + chlorite ± talc. These observations, the microstructures and the mineral chemistry all suggest that the assemblages in the ultramafic rocks and metagabbros developed during a prograde evolution towards high pressures (>13–16 kbar, 450–550° C), and during subsequent decompression. This metamorphic evolution is considered to be related to Late Cretaceous intraoceanic subduction in the Alps-Apennine system and closure of the Piedmont-Ligurian basin.     

罗斯海西北陆架(JOIDES海槽)末次冰期以来冰架消融过程及水动力变化

罗斯冰架的消融过程对全球气候和大洋环流的变化都有重要影响。通过分析罗斯海西北陆架上中国第31次南极考察所采集的ANT31-JB06岩心重建末次冰期以来罗斯冰架的消融历史。通过AMS14C测年,建立了该岩心的地层年代框架,其沉积物被划分为末次冰期(36.6 ka)以来到全新世的沉积序列,并对该岩心进行了粗组分含量分析、粒度组成及其端元模拟的综合研究。该岩心的粒度端元分析结果显示,峰态中值为15.1和18.9 μm的组分端元的变化可分别代表弱和强水动力环境,而峰态中值为63.4和234.1 μm的组分端元的变化可分别代表海冰和冰山搬运等沉积动力的变化。末次冰期罗斯冰架在研究站位并未触底,在27~21 ka左右增长到最大位置,可能已经到达该岩心所在的位置。罗斯冰架在21 ka左右开始退离JOIDES海槽,在AIM 1暖期(17~14 ka)大规模崩塌消退;而在南极冷反转ACR时期(14~12 ka)罗斯冰架消退缓慢;ACR之后冰架继续崩塌直到全新世中期,在5 ka左右罗斯冰架基本达到稳定状态。该处水动力在冷气候时期较强,在暖气候时期较弱,可能是气候较冷时结冰过程形成的盐度较大的水下沉到底部促进了上下水体交换,使得沉积界面的水动力相对也比较强,沉降下来的颗粒相对偏粗。     

最近千年来山东半岛西部气候环境变化的石笋δ18O、δ13C记录(Ⅰ)

Ky1石笋采自山东半岛西部的开元洞,沿生长轴方向长度75 mm。在高精度U-230Th测年基础上,通过年纹层连续计数和平均沉积速率内插/外推相结合的定年方法,确定Ky1石笋生长于892-1894AD的1 000年间。在沿石笋生长轴采集的583个样品中,选择303个进行了δ18O、δ13C测试,平均分辨率约为3年。结果显示,最近1 000年来Ky1石笋的δ18O比值变化呈现明显阶段性,显示与小冰期(LIA)和中世纪暖期(MWP)对应的数百年尺度波动。根据δ18O记录,山东半岛在1482AD前后发生与MWP/LIA转换对应的气候突变,1 482 AD前相当于夏季风强烈、降水较多的中世纪暖期,1482AD后则为夏季风微弱、降水较少的小冰期,以1609AD夏季风最弱。Ky1石笋的δ13C比值变化,也由与MWP、LIA相当的两个阶段构成,其间也存在突变关系。比较而言,δ13C变化要比δ18O显著平缓,而且LIA后期以来二者变化明显不同步。最近1 000年来,与MWP/LIA对应的气候突变相当于明朝中期;就各个朝代内部的气候变化趋势而言,不同朝代之间不尽相同;不同朝代之间的更替期均大致与MWP、LIA内部的次级气候突变时期对应。因此,中世纪暖期和小冰期内部的次级气候波动对中国社会发展的影响,可能比千年尺度上最剧烈的MWP/LIA突变本身更显著。另一方面,洞穴所在山地的土地利用程度不断提高,其与气候变化共同影响着洞穴所在山地的植被的C3/C4植物构成及土壤性质,从而影响到石笋δ13C比值。从892-1318AD,土地利用对山地植被构成、土壤特征的影响程度尚不及气候变化;1318-1479AD,已达到或超过小幅度的气候变化;1483-1779AD,达到或超过大幅度的气候变化;1779-1894AD,土地利用程度趋于稳定,气候变化对环境的影响程度则又相对凸显。     

NEW 10BE COSMOGENIC AGES FROM THE VIMMERBY MORAINE CONFIRM THE TIMING OF SCANDINAVIAN ICE SHEET DEGLACIATION IN SOUTHERN SWEDEN

The overall pattern of deglaciation of the southern part of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet has been considered established, although details of the chronology and ice sheet dynamics are less well known. Even less is known for the south Swedish Upland because the area was deglaciated mostly by stagnation. Within this area lies the conspicuous Vimmerby moraine, for which we have used the terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (¹⁰Be) exposure dating technique to derive the exposure age of six glacially transported boulders. The six ¹⁰Be cosmogenic ages are internally consistent, ranging from 14.9 ± 1.5 to 12.4 ± 1.3 ka with a mean of 13.6 ±0.9 ka. Adjusting for the effects of surface erosion, snow burial and glacio-isostatic rebound causes the mean age to increase only by c. 6% to c. 14.4± 0.9 ka. The ¹⁰Be derived age for the Vimmerby moraine is in agreement with previous estimates forthe timing of deglaciation based on radiocarbon dating and varve chronology. This result shows promise for further terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide exposure studies in southern Sweden.     

Monitoring thickness and volume changes of the Dongkemadi Ice Field on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (1969–2000) using Shuttle Radar Topography Mission and map data

Abstract

This paper presents the first measurement of multi-decadal thickness and volume changes (1969–2000) of the Dongkemadi Ice Field (DIF) in the Tanggula Mountains, central Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China, using multi-source remote sensing data. These include the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) acquired in February, 2000, a DEM generated by digitising analogue topographic maps from 1969, and Landsat ETM+ imagery from 2000. Digital glacier outlines and GIS-based processing were used to calculate an elevation difference map to evaluate the relative elevation error of these two DEMs over ice-free areas. This method was also used to identify regions of glacier elevation thinning and thickening corresponding to glacier mass loss and gain. Analysis of 67,520 points on flat grass and rock terrain surrounding the DIF, with a slope less than 25°, showed a mean elevation difference of –0.90 m and a standard deviation of 5.58 m. A thickness change error within ±6 m was estimated. Between 1969 and 2000, 76.51% of the whole DIF area appeared to be thinning while 23.49% showed thickening. The average glacier surface thinning was –12.58 m with a standard deviation of 18.29 m and the estimated volume loss was 1.17 km³. The standard deviation of volume change was 0.0006 km³ over the DIF. A thinning rate up to 0.41±0.194 m a^?1 or 0.038 km³ a^?1 for the volume loss was observed for the whole ice field, which seems to be evidence for the ongoing retreat of glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. It was found that the spatial thickness change pattern derived from the remote sensing method was consistent with the thickness change results of the Small Dongkemadi Glacier (SDG) from field measurements. The estimated error of the annual thickness change rate was on the order of 5%. The relationship between elevation change and absolute glacier elevation over typical glaciers was also analysed, showing considerable variability. These changes have possibly resulted from increased temperature and decreased precipitation in this region.