CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Carlson, A.E.; Anslow, F.S.; Obbink, E.A.; LeGrande, A.N.; Ullman, D.J.; and Licciardi, J.M. 
Date : 2010.
Title : Surface-melt driven Laurentide Ice Sheet retreat during the early Holocene.
Publication : Geophysical Research Letters
Issue : 36(24), L24502 
Page(s) : doi:10.1029/2009GL040948.



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Abstract

To better understand mechanisms of ice-sheet decay, we investigate the surface mass balance of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) during the early Holocene, a period of known rapid LIS retreat. We use a surface energy-mass balance model (EMBM) driven with conditions derived from an equilibrium atmosphere-ocean general circulation model 9 kilo-years ago simulation. Our EMBM indicates a net LIS surface mass balance of -0.67 ± 0.13 m yr-1, with losses primarily due to enhanced boreal summer insolation and warmer summers. This rate of loss compared to LIS volume reconstructions suggests that surface ablation accounted for 74 ± 22% of the LIS mass loss with the remaining loss likely driven by dynamics resulting in basal sliding and calving. Thus surface melting likely played a governing role in the retreat and disappearance of this ice sheet.

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Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology