Benchmarking the vertically integrated ice-sheet model IMAU-ICE (version 2.0)

Abstract

Abstract. Ice-dynamical processes constitute a large uncertainty in future projections of sea-level rise caused by anthropogenic climate change. Improving our understanding of these processes requires ice-sheet models that perform well at simulating both past and future ice-sheet evolution. Here, we present version 2.0 of the ice-sheet model IMAU-ICE, which uses the depth-integrated viscosity approximation (DIVA) to solve the stress balance. We evaluate its performance in a range of benchmark experiments, including simple analytical solutions, as well as both schematic and realistic model intercomparison exercises. IMAU-ICE has adopted recent developments in the numerical treatment of englacial stress and sub-shelf melt near the grounding-line, which result in good performance in experiments concerning grounding-line migration (MISMIP) and buttressing (ABUMIP). This makes it a model that is robust, versatile, and user-friendly, and which will provide a firm basis for (palaeo-)glaciological research in the coming years.

Interactions between the Northern-Hemisphere ice sheets and climate during the Last Glacial Cycle

“…In this study, we use the three-dimensional thermodynamically-coupled ice-sheet model IMAU-ICE version 2.0 (Berends et al, 2022). This model uses the depth-integrated viscosity approximation (DIVA; Goldberg, 2011) to calculate the dynamics of floating and grounded ice.…”

“…This model uses the depth-integrated viscosity approximation (DIVA; Goldberg, 2011) to calculate the dynamics of floating and grounded ice. This vertically-integrated approximation to the stress balance is similar to the hybrid SIA/SSA, but has improved physics, is more efficient and has improved numerical stability (Berends et al, 2022). A regularised Coulomb sliding law is used to calculate basal friction (Bueler & van Pelt, 2015).…”