Simulating glacier evolution with a 3D ice sheet model

We have implemented a new framework for simulating the dynamic evolution of mountain glaciers in the Community Ice Sheet Model (CISM), a 3D, higher-order ice sheet model that serves as the ice dynamics component of the Community Earth System Model. We have used CISM to simulate all the glaciers of the European Alps at a resolution of 100 m. We describe the modeling framework and present results for the third phase of the GlacierMIP project (GlacierMIP3), which aims to determine the equilibrium area and volume of all glaciers outside the ice sheets, if global mean temperatures were to stabilize at present-day or various warmer levels. Compared to other glacier models, CISM is relatively sensitive to warming. We project that Alpine glaciers will lose a majority of their area and volume under present-day temperatures, with nearly complete ice loss under warmer scenarios. We are extending this framework to other glacier regions and will show preliminary result.