Model:Gc2d

gc2d

Introduction

gc2d a two-dimensional finite difference numerical model that simulates the formation and evolution of temperate valley glaciers on a two-dimensional topographic surface with a specified meteorological setting. Driven by a time series of mass balance (snow precipitation - melt rate), the model calculates ice surface elevations above a two-dimensional terrain by solving equations for ice flux and mass conservation using explicit methods. A number of other authors have employed one- and two-dimensional models based on similar sets of equations. However, gc2d integrates glacier and climate simulation components explicitly, and thus has the unique ability to simulate feedbacks between the changing ice surface and the climate forcing. In addition, the framework of this model permits the inclusion of discrete processes that modify the ice distribution, such as avalanching on steep terrain. The efficiency of this model allows simulation of glacial evolution over millennial timescales at spatial scales that resolve valley glaciers. Finally, from a computational standpoint, the simplicity of this model permits the investigation of significant regions of parameter space, allowing us to determine the effect of new processes or altered algorithms for them.

The above description is taken almost verbatim from Kessler et al. (2006) .

gc2d Questionnaire

Contact Information

Model:	gc2d
Contact person:	Eric Hutton
Institute:	University of Colorado
City:	Boulder, CO
Country:	USA
Email:	--
2nd person involved:	--
3rd person involved:	--

Model description

Model type:	Single model
Description:	Models the growth and evolution of valley glaciers and ice sheets

Technical information

Supported platforms:	UNIX, Linux, Mac OSX, Windows
Programming language:	Python (or Matlab)
Model was developed started from:	2005 and development still takes place
To what degree will the model become available:	As code
Current license type:	Apache public license
Memory requirements:	Minimal
Typical run time:	Hours

Input / Output description

Input parameters:	Landscape elevation, ELA with time
Input format:	Matlab .mat files
Output parameters:	Glacier thickness and elevation
Output format:	Matlab .mat file
Post-processing software (if needed):	no
Visualization software (if needed):	no

Process description

Processes represented by model:	Glacier growth and evolution
Key physical parameters & equations:
Length scale & resolution constraints:	kilometers
Time scale & resolution constraints:	Tens to hundreds of years
Numerical limitations and issues :

Testing

Available calibration data sets:
Available test data sets:	--
Ideal data for testing:	--

User groups

Currently or plans for collaborating with:

None

Documentation

Key papers of the model:	Kessler, et al., 2006 (doi:10.1029/2005JF000365)
Is there a manual available:	no
Model website if any:	--

Additional comments

Comments:

--

Download

Source-Code Snapshots

Source-code snapshots are available via ftp at:

http://csdms.colorado.edu/pub/models/gc2d

The latest version:

gc2d-latest.tar.gz

Source

Command-Line Access

If you plan to make changes, use this command to check out the code as yourself using HTTPS:

<geshi lang=bash>

1. Project members authenticate over HTTPS to allow committing changes.

svn checkout https://csdms.colorado.edu/svn/gc2d </geshi>

When prompted, enter your CSDMS Subversion password.

Non-members may only check out a read-only working copy of the project source.

To obtain a CSDMS Subversion account or to become a member of this project, please email csdms@colorado.edu.

GUI and IDE Access

This project's Subversion repository may be accessed using many different client programs and plug-ins. See your client's documentation for more information.

https://csdms.colorado.edu/svn/gc2d

Subversion Help

For help on how to use Subversion, an excellent manual is available online at http://svnbook.red-bean.com/