This discussion focuses on interpreting the 2D advection equation in the context of modeling debris transport on glaciers. The key variables include the x-component of surface velocity (u_s), the y-component of surface velocity (v_s), and the thickness of the debris layer (h_d). It is established that the rocks do not deform and are transported rigidly by the ice flow. Understanding the physics behind the modeling process is essential, particularly the derivation of equations and the significance of the divergence term related to debris height change.
PREREQUISITESResearchers in glaciology, environmental scientists, and engineers involved in modeling debris transport on glaciers will benefit from this discussion.
u_s = the x-component of the surface velocity,Chestermiller said:
Is the rock moving as a rigid layer or is it deforming?jones1234 said:
The rocks are not deforming. They are on top of the ice and get transported by the ice.Chestermiller said:
Then u and v do not vary with x and yjones1234 said:
The most important part of modeling is actually understanding the physics of the process and then deriving the underlying model. Do you see how eq. (2) can be obtained from eq. (1) with the comments of @Chestermiller ?Chestermiller said: