Numerical investigation and self-similar solutions of the glacier-ocean interaction problem

The mathematical modeling of the heat and mass transfer processes in glaciers is an effective means of investigating and predicting their development. A full explanation of the problem of constructing appropriate mathematical models is given in 1–5]. By analyzing the equations involved 3, 6] it is possible to establish the principal factors and dimensionless numbers determining glacier dynamics and provide justification for neglecting the secondary terms. In particular, a simplified closed system of differential equations for the detailed calculation of all the hydrodynamic characteristics of the glacier can be obtained for K_hj « 1 up to O(K _h ² ), where K_h is the ratio of the vertical and horizontal scales of the ice mass investigated (K_h 10^–4–10^–6). In this case many of the qualitative characteristics of glacier dynamics are preserved even in one-dimensional models within the subisothermal approximation.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 3–7, September–October, 1986.