Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-4152
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-4152
29 Jan 2025
 | 29 Jan 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscientific Model Development (GMD).

A framework for three-dimensional dynamic modeling of mountain glaciers in the Community Ice Sheet Model (CISM v2.2)

Samar Minallah, William Lipscomb, Gunter Leguy, and Harry Zekollari

Abstract. It is essential to improve our understanding of mountain glaciers and their effects on sea level, ecosystems, and freshwater resources in a changing climate. To this end, we implemented a framework for three-dimensional, high-resolution, regional-scale glacier simulations in the Community Ice Sheet Model (CISM v2.2), using higher-order ice-flow dynamics previously applied to the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Here, we present the modeling framework and its application to the European Alps glaciers at a 100-meter resolution, using protocols from the third phase of the Glacier Model Intercomparison Project (GlacierMIP3). The model results align well with observations and other glacier models, showing that Alpine glaciers will lose nearly half of their present-day area and volume under current climate conditions, with a near-total ice loss expected in warmer scenarios. This new development integrates glacier and ice sheet systems in a common modeling framework and will support advances in coupled land ice – Earth system assessments across timescales in the Community Earth System Model (CESM).

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Samar Minallah, William Lipscomb, Gunter Leguy, and Harry Zekollari

Status: open (until 26 Mar 2025)

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Samar Minallah, William Lipscomb, Gunter Leguy, and Harry Zekollari
Samar Minallah, William Lipscomb, Gunter Leguy, and Harry Zekollari

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Short summary
We implemented a new modeling framework within an Earth system model to study the evolution of mountain glaciers under different climate scenarios and applied it to the European Alps. Alpine glaciers will lose a large volume fraction under current temperatures, with near complete ice loss under warmer scenarios. This is the first use of a 3D, higher-order ice flow model for regional-scale glacier simulations that will enable assessments of coupled land ice and Earth system processes.
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