Large-eddy simulations of the ice-shelf–ocean boundary layer near the ice front of Nansen Ice Shelf, Antarctica

Abstract. Ice melting beneath Antarctic ice shelves is caused by heat transfer through the ice-shelf–ocean boundary layer (IOBL). However, our understanding of fluid dynamics and thermohaline physics IOBL flow poor. In this study, we utilize a large-eddy simulation (LES) model to investigate ocean role turbulence within near front. To simulate varying intensities, imposed different theoretical profiles velocity. Far-field conditions for at ice-shelf base freezing sea surface were derived based on in situ observations temperature salinity front Nansen Shelf. terms overturning features front, validated LES results comparing them with observational data. comparison velocity shipborne lowered acoustic Doppler current profiler (LADCP) data, LES-derived strength cells similar that obtained from Moreover, vertical distribution simulated salinity, which mainly determined positively buoyant meltwater sea-ice formation, was also comparable observations. We conclude its contribution can be realistically resolved using proposed method. Based 3D-LES results, revealed main forces are driven meltwater, concentrated surface, outflowing momentum sub-ice-shelf plume. strong-turbulence case, distinct such as higher basal melt rate (0.153 m yr−1), weak upwelling water, formation observed, suggesting relatively high speed because highly turbulent mixing. The findings study will contribute toward deeper complex IOBL-flow impact