Differences in Calving Styles at Tidewater Glaciers Explained by Horizontal Stress Balance

Explore how horizontal stress balance explains the different calving styles observed at tidewater glaciers in this 24-minute conference talk by Till Wagner from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Discover the physical processes that govern how glaciers break apart where they meet the ocean, and understand the mechanisms behind varying calving behaviors across different tidewater glacier systems. Learn about the role of stress distribution in determining whether glaciers experience dramatic calving events or more gradual ice loss, and examine how these processes fit into broader discussions of polar climate evolution in a warming world. Gain insights into the complex interactions between glacier dynamics and ocean conditions that influence ice sheet stability and contribute to sea level projections.