On the Sliding of Glaciers

TLDR

The study proposes a model to explain glacier sliding when the bed is at the pressure melting point. The model incorporates two mechanisms: pressure melting and creep‑rate enhancement via stress concentrations. The authors find that neither mechanism alone explains sliding, but combined they enable significant glacier motion.

Abstract

Abstract A model is proposed to explain the sliding of any glacier whose bottom surface is at the pressure melting point. Two mechanisms are considered. One is pressure melting and the other is creep rate enhancement through stress concentrations. Neither of the mechanisms operating alone is sufficient to explain sliding. If both mechanisms operate together appreciable sliding can occur.