Deformation of Floating Ice Shelves

Abstract

Abstract The problem of the creep deformation of floating ice shelves is considered. The problem is solved using Glen’s creep law for ice and Nye’s relation of steady-state creep (the analogue of the Lévy-Miles relation in plasticity theory). Good agreement is obtained between an observed creep rate at Maudheim in the Antarctic and that predicted from the results of creep tests made by Glen.