Citation
A Simple Mechanism for Irreversible Tidewater Glacier Retreat
TL;DR
Geometric triggers can initiate irreversible retreat
Explains the geometric triggers and feedback loops that cause irreversible glacier retreat. Critical for understanding why Columbia Glacier's retreat was triggered by geometry (retreating into deep water) rather than climate, and why positive feedback loops run to completion once initiated.
Key Findings from Pfeffer (2007)
- Geometric triggers can initiate irreversible retreat
- Shallow-to-deep water transition accelerates calving
- Positive feedback continues until glacier reaches shallow water or land
- External conditions must change to stop feedback loop