An assessment of forward and inverse GIA solutions for Antarctica. Issue 9 (29th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martín‐Español, Alba; King, Matt A.; Zammit‐Mangion, Andrew; Andrews, Stuart B.; Moore, Philip; Bamber, Jonathan L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 121:Issue 9(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 6947
• Page End: 6965
• Publication Date: 2016-09-29
• Subjects: GIA; Geomagnetism -- Periodicals; Geochemistry -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; 551.1
• DOI: 10.1002/2016JB013154
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9313

Abstract

Abstract: In this work we assess the most recent estimates of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) for Antarctica, including those from both forward and inverse methods. The assessment is based on a comparison of the estimated uplift rates with a set of elastic‐corrected GPS vertical velocities. These have been observed from an extensive GPS network and computed using data over the period 2009–2014. We find systematic underestimations of the observed uplift rates in both inverse and forward methods over specific regions of Antarctica characterized by low mantle viscosities and thin lithosphere, such as the northern Antarctic Peninsula and the Amundsen Sea Embayment, where its recent ice discharge history is likely to be playing a role in current GIA. Uplift estimates for regions where many GIA models have traditionally placed their uplift maxima, such as the margins of Filchner‐Ronne and Ross ice shelves, are found to be overestimated. GIA estimates show large variability over the interior of East Antarctica which results in increased uncertainties on the ice‐sheet mass balance derived from gravimetry methods. Key Points: Analysis and assessment of forward and inverse GIA solutions for Antarctica Identification of regions where GIA solutions systematically underpredict/overpredict the uplift rates Large variability over the interior of East Antarctica result in increased uncertainties on the ice‐sheet mass balance