1
In a stable glacier a natural barrier on the sea bed blocks warm water from reaching the ice sheet’s base
Warmer
water
Ice sheet
Ice shelf
Natural barrier
2
The ice sheet is vulnerable when it grounds on a backwards facing slope. Warm water flowing down the slope undercuts the ice, creating instability
Warmer
water
Backwards facing slope
3
Building an artificial barrier to block the warmer water reduces the rate of melt, allowing the ice shelf to thicken and advance
Artificial barrier
blocks warmer water
4
If the shelf advances and thickens enough to reground on the artificial barrier the glacier can start to regain mass
Ice shelf regrounds
on the artificial barrier
1
In a stable glacier a natural barrier on the sea bed blocks warm water from reaching the ice sheet’s base
2
The ice sheet is vulnerable when it grounds on a backwards facing slope. Warm water flowing down the slope undercuts the ice, creating instability
Warmer
water
Warmer
water
Ice sheet
Ice shelf
Natural barrier
Backwards facing slope
3
Building an artificial barrier to block the warmer water reduces the rate of melt, allowing the ice shelf to thicken and advance
4
If the shelf advances and thickens enough to reground on the artificial barrier the glacier can start to regain mass
Ice shelf regrounds
on the artificial barrier
Artificial barrier
blocks warmer water