The interaction between bottom melting water and friction coefficient

aisundong

We all know that during the process of ice sheet formation, the presence of bottom melting water significantly affects bottom friction. Does the friction scheme in the model consider this process? Because I have found that there seems to be no correlation between the amount of bottom melting water in the model and bottom friction

mathieumorlighem

Hi @aisundong,
I am not aware of any existing friction law that accounts for basal melt. There are friction laws that account for effective pressure but it is either calculated through a very crude assumption (sheet connected to the ocean), or through a hydrology model. The friction laws implemented in ISSM are listed here: https://issm.jpl.nasa.gov/documentation/friction
If you come across another one that you would like to see implemented in ISSM let us know!
Mathieu