Trykkdominerte

Trykkdominerte refers to a geological phenomenon primarily observed in glacial environments, specifically within the context of glacier ice deformation. It describes a phase or regime of ice flow where the ice's internal strength and the pressure exerted by its own weight are the dominant forces driving its movement. In simpler terms, it's when the ice is so thick and under so much pressure that it behaves more like a viscous fluid, flowing under its own immense weight. This contrasts with other ice flow regimes that might be influenced more by basal sliding, the melting of ice at the base, or the topography of the underlying bedrock.

This concept is crucial for understanding glacier dynamics and predicting how glaciers will respond to climate change. When glaciers become thick enough, the internal stresses become significant enough to cause the ice crystals within the glacier to deform and slide past each other. This internal deformation is the essence of the trykkdominerte regime. The rate of flow in this regime is generally related to the ice thickness and the slope of the glacier. Understanding when a glacier is operating in a trykkdominerte regime helps glaciologists model ice loss and its contribution to sea-level rise.