solidFIDEMO – a firn densification model for volumetric mass balances

Applicants

Professorin Dr. Angelika Humbert 
Alfred-Wegener-Institut 
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung 
Fachbereich Geowissenschaften

Professor Dr.-Ing. Ralf Müller 
Technische Universität Kaiserslautern
Fachbereich Maschinenbau und Verfahrenstechnik
Lehrstuhl für Technische Mechanik

Project Description

The project solidFIDEMO will simulate the densification of Antarctic firn using continuum mechanical methods. The goal is to compute densification rates and density-depth profiles numerically. This serves as basis for the estimation of mass balances of ice sheets from observed volume changes. We use material equations for sintering and solve mass-, momentum- and enthalpy balance with finite elements. Thus we deliver a physical firn densification model. We propose a new simulation strategy that extends current models. We will develop the module solidFIDEMO which will be run together with existing ice sheet simulations. With the proposed model we contribute to a more accurate prediction of mass loss from ice sheets. Being an interdisciplinary project between solid mechanics and glaciology the transfer of methods of non-linear continuum mechanics is an essential part of the project.

DFG Programme: Infrastructure Priority Programmes

Term 2018-2020