Abstract

Hydraulically-forced crevassing is thought to reduce the stability of ice shelves and ice sheets, affecting structural integrity and providing pathways for surface meltwater to the bed. It can cause ice shelves to collapse and ice sheets to accelerate into the ocean. However, direct observations of the hydraulically-forced crevassing process remain elusive. Here we report a new, novel method and observations that use icequakes to directly observe crevassing and determine the role of hydrofracture. Crevasse icequake depths from seismic observations are compared to a theoretically derived maximum-dry-crevasse-depth. We observe icequakes below this depth, suggesting hydrofracture. Furthermore, icequake source mechanisms provide insight into the fracture process, with predominantly opening cracks observed, which have opening volumes of tens to hundreds of cubic meters. Our method and findings provide a framework for studying a critical process, key for the stability of ice shelves and ice sheets, and hence rates of future sea-level rise.