Experiments in linking regional climate, ice-sheet models and topography

This paper describes the dynamic asynchronous coupling of an ice-sheet mode l with a climate model that calculates spatial atmospheric moisture flux. T he coupled models are run over a hypothetical, symmetric topography for a r ange of different wind speeds and temperatures. Resultant ice-sheet profile s and distributions are compared with those from an ice-sheet model run wit h a constant, imposed climate. Ice sheets that develop under the dynamicall y linked models are shown to be asymmetric, with profiles extending up to 5 00 m lower on their windward side as a result of a strong positive mass-bal ance feedback. The feedback results from the imposition of the evolving ice -sheet topography on the atmospheric moisture transport. The experiments de monstrate the importance of using such a coupled model configuration in ord er to understand the processes that link ice sheets and climate, in particu lar in situations such as that of Patagonia, where a narrow mountain range lies athwart the prevailing wind. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd .