Im. Whillans et Cj. Vanderveen, THE ROLE OF LATERAL DRAG IN THE DYNAMICS OF ICE-STREAM-B, ANTARCTICA, Journal of Glaciology, 43(144), 1997, pp. 231-237
The Partitioning of resistive force between the bed and sides of Ice S
tream B, Antarctica, is obtained for three large areas that have been
measured using repeat aerial photogrammetry. Problems associated with
data errors and local variations in ice strength and velocity are redu
ced by considering the areally averaged budget of forces for each phot
o block. Results indicate that the bed under Ice Stream B must be very
weak and unable to provide much resistance. Mechanical control on thi
s ice stream emanates almost entirely from the lateral margins.