Abstract : We present the results of the first ice sheet model intercomparison project for higher-order and full-Stokes ice sheet models. These models are compared and verified in a series of six experiments of which one has an analytical solution obtained from a perturbation analysis. The experiments are applied to both 2-D and 3-D geometries; five experiments are steady-state diagnostic, and one has a time-dependent prognostic solution. All participating models give results that are in close agreement. A clear distinction can be made between higher-order models and those that solve the full system of equations. The full-Stokes models show a much smaller spread, hence are in better agreement with one another and with the analytical solution.
F. Pattyn, L. Perichon, A. Aschwanden, B. Breuer, B. de Smedt, et al.. Benchmark experiments for higher-order and full-Stokes ice sheet models (ISMIP–HOM). The Cryosphere, Copernicus 2008, 259, pp.95 à 108. ⟨insu-00379774⟩