Theory 23/Glaciology
Calving Is a Depth Ratio
The claim
Iceberg calving is set by the ratio of water depth to ice thickness at the terminus rather than by melt rate.
01The mechanism
Buoyancy and bending stresses at the front depend on the submerged fraction; the ratio sets when the front becomes unstable and detaches.
02Predictions
- P1Calving should track the ratio.
- P2Melt rate alone should mispredict.
03Refutation
Calving tracking melt rate would remove the geometric ratio.