Axis 1 : Glacial processes

Context and objectives

Studying the physical and mechanical processes that control ice dynamics is fundamental for better modeling ice flows. Our team contributes to better characterize and represent the intra-glacial processes that control the ice deformation (ice and snow rheology, damage, fracturing, thermal regime), the sub-glacial processes that control the ice-bedrock friction, including sub-glacial hydrology, and the processes at the interfaces that can lead to destabilization of ice caps and glaciers (grounding line dynamics, hydro-fracturing in relation to intra- and supra-glacial hydrology).

Scientific strategy

We develop innovative and multi-disciplinary observation and experimentation strategies to better quantify in situ processes. These observations are accompanied by physical modeling of the targeted processes (plasticity, friction, fracturing, water flow) in order to better understand the fundamental processes, but also to ensure the transfer to large-scale flow models. Finally, we are pursuing original research on the mechanical and physical properties of ice material (including snow and firn).

Tools and methods

For the study of in situ processes we rely on sites monitored within the framework of the GLACIOCLIM observation service (member of IR OZCAR) and the IPEV-DACOTA program. The Argentière glacier (Alps) is considered as a laboratory for the study of basal friction and the Astrolabe glacier (Antarctica) serves as a laboratory for the study of coastal ice dynamics. Dedicated measurement campaigns combine high spatial and temporal resolution remote sensing, drone measurements, geophysical measurements (seismic, acoustic emission) and borehole instrumentation. The field campaigns are carried out via collaborations in Grenoble through the ANR SAUSSURE project (2019-2022). We also develop physical models, in particular the Elmer/Ice model, in order to transfer them to the large scale. For fundamental studies on the ice material (including snow and firn), we associate experiments in cold rooms and under X-rays (diffraction and tomography) with modeling tools used or developed within the framework of local and national collaborations with the "materials mechanics" community (discrete element models for densification, finite element models and homogenization methods for deformation), for example through the recent ANR DREAM project (2014-2018) and the ERC RhEoVOLUTION project (2020-2025) led by A. Tommasi (Géosciences Montpellier).