Equilibrium dynamics of ice streams: A Bayesian statistical analysis

Authors

L M. Berliner, University of Ohio
Noel A. Cressie, University of WollongongFollow
K Jezek, University of Ohio
Y Kim, University of Ohio
C Q. Lam, Ohio State University
C J. van der Veen, University of Kansas

RIS ID

72555

Publication Details

Berliner, L. M., Cressie, N. A., Jezek, K., Kim, Y., Lam, C. Q. & van der Veen, C. J. (2008). Equilibrium dynamics of ice streams: A Bayesian statistical analysis. Statistical Methods and Applications, 17 (2), 145-165.

Abstract

Studies of the behaviors of glaciers, ice sheets, and ice streams rely heavily on both observations and physical models. Data acquired via remote sensing provide critical information on geometry and movement of ice over large sections of Antarctica and Greenland. However, uncertainties are present in both the observations and the models. Hence, there is a need for combining these information sources in a fashion that incorporates uncertainty and quantifies its impact on conclusions. We present a hierarchical Bayesian approach to modeling ice-stream velocities incorporating physical models and observations regarding velocity, ice thickness, and surface elevation from the North East Ice Stream in Greenland. The Bayesian model leads to interesting issues in model assessment and computation. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.