Precision and convergence of a steady two-dimensional ice sheet flow model

Ice-sheet flow is described by the Navier-Stokes equations. We present here an analytical solution for a very simple configuration of two-dimensional ice sheet flow. It is obtained for an imposed flat surface elevation and fo ra linear flow law This analytical solution is used here to estimate the pe rformance and precision of a two-dimensional ice sheet flow model. In parti cular, the comparison of this 2D ice sheet flow model with the analytical s olution has allowed to test all the terms involved in the mechanical equati ons. This analytical solution may be very useful to test similar types of m odels.