DESCRIPTION

This illustration communicates the design and function of a custom experimental device developed to measure the permeability of temperate ice. Permeability is a critical factor in predicting sea level rise, since most ice entering the ocean from melting ice sheets flows through ice streams, whose stability depends on how water moves through ice. The permeameter tests this by permeating ice with water, with the rate of flow indicating permeability. Combining a technical cutaway, exploded view, and supporting graphs, the piece serves as a graphical abstract for glaciological research conducted in the Glacier Lab at Iowa State University’s Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences. The illustration underscores the importance of these experiments in refining ice-stream models and improving predictions of future sea level rise.

PUBLISHED

Fowler JR, Iverson NR. (2023). The relationship between the permeability and liquid water content of polycrystalline temperate ice. Journal of Glaciology. 2023;69(278):2154-2162. doi:10.1017/jog.2023.91