Modeling Fjord Circulation and Iceberg Melt in a Greenland fjord
Hovedinnhold
Project description
Ilulissat Icefjord (Kangia), located in West Greenland, is home to Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Isbræ), one of the fastest-flowing and most actively calving glaciers in the world. The fjord is characterized by a shallow sill (~250 m) and deep basin (~700–800 m), and is often congested with deep-drafted icebergs that significantly influence fjord circulation and glacier melt dynamics.
Recent modeling efforts using the MITgcm ocean circulation model, enhanced with the IceBerg package, have revealed that iceberg melt plays a critical role in modifying fjord stratification, circulation, and the submarine melt of the glacier front. Icebergs not only cool and freshen the water column but also alter the depth of the subglacial discharge plume, promoting undercutting of the glacier front.
This master’s project will build upon the work of Kajanto et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-371-2023) to further investigate the role of iceberg melt in fjord dynamics and glacier calving. The student will use MITgcm to simulate seasonal evolution of fjord stratification and circulation, focusing on:
- Sensitivity of fjord circulation to iceberg distribution, draft, and melt rates.
- Interaction between subglacial discharge plumes and iceberg-induced stratification.
- Implications for glacier melt and calving dynamics under varying climate scenarios.
The project will involve running and modifying MITgcm simulations, analyzing observational data (e.g., XCTD profiles, seal data), and potentially contributing to ongoing field campaigns and data synthesis.
Proposed course plan during the master's degree (60 ECTS)
GEOV230 – Glacial geology and geomorphology
GEOV325A - Glaciology
GEOV324 - Polar Palaeoclimate
GEOV222 - Palaeoclimatology
Prerequisites
Interest in numerical modeling and or machine learning. Experience in python or similar is useful but not required. Please contact the supervisors before choosing this project.
NB: This project is not yet approved by the research group or program board