Abstract
Simple models to calculate melt and refreezing are reviewed. Both degree-day and energy-balance models can give distributed melt inputs to ice-dynamics models bur have only been tested extensively in West Greenland, and more data are needed from the remoter parts of Greenland. The energy-balance model is more realistic but needs input data that are not generally available over the whole ice sheet. On the other hand, degree-day factors vary from situation to situation although a value of about 8 kg m-2 d-1 deg-1 for ice ablation is a reasonable first approximation as assumed in recent ice-dynamics models. Meltwater refreezing in the accumulation area can be modelled very simply but more detailed physical models are needed to describe the shifts in accumulation zones under different climates.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 150-153 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Annals of Glaciology |
| Volume | 23 |
| Publication status | Published - 1996 |