Circulation model for subglacial lakes

A circulation model for Antarctic subglacial lakes is presented. This model differs from previous models used for Lake Vostok in that the momentum equations are non-hydrostatic. Consequently, the new model does not require an additional scheme to represent the thermal convection within subglacial lakes. The code uses finite volume and the SIMPLE algorithm to calculate the pressure-velocity coupling. This formulation is well established for fluid flow and heat transfer problems. Non-orthogonal, boundary fitted grids are used to capture the complex bathymetry and sloping lake-ice interface that characterise subglacial lakes. The new model uses multigrid techniques to speed up convergence of the code, which allows the use of increased resolution. Examples of how the model is applied to subglacial lakes, and their environmental implications, are presented.