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Douglas R. MacAyeal

Doug MacAyeal on Ragbrai in July, 2009

Riding across Iowa in the 2009 RAGBRAI bicycle tour. I ride a Rans Recumbant for comfort and 'attitude'.

Doug

On a recent trip to the Beas River of Himachal Pradesh, India (can you guess what kind of plant grows by the side of the road)...

At graduation

With daughters Leigh (left) and Hannah at Leigh's recent graduation from Brown University.

with dad and evan

With my dad (left) and son, Evan (right).

zoots

Mac Cathles and I dressed for the recent Krumbein Lecture and Dinner...

Te moko commissioned for my sailboat

A Maori moko I commissioned for my sailboat.

Macayeal in 79

Me back in 1976 when I worked on the Ross Ice Shelf...

bottomless

Yep, it's bottomless...

 

Research Interests

I study the behavior of ice in the natural environment of Earth (and sometimes Mars) with the intention of developing a better understanding of the role of ice in being both a producer of and a responder to climate change.  I use the tools of fluid dynamics, seismology, remote sensing and computational methods to study the behavior of the large ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland, and would characterize my style of research as being a mixture of field observation and theory.

My current work is spread across a series of diverse, but important, research topics, ranging from glaciogenic seismicity (as a means of understanding ice-sheet change) to ice-shelf/ocean interaction (with a focus on ice-shelf collapse dynamics). While my research group has always been small here at the University of Chicago, I believe that we have contributed in a substantial fashion to the larger effort of understanding the place of ice-sheets and glaciers in the realm of Earth's environment.

For further description of what my research group does, see the information on the departmental website at this location (follow the links first to Atmosphere, Oceans, Climate and Ice, and then to Glaciology):

http://geosci.uchicago.edu/research/

Education

My interest in ancient climates and ice-sheets began as a senior physics student at Brown University, where I met Tom Webb and John Imbrie and learned that Earth's complex climate system was something that could be investigated in a purposeful way. After graduating, I moved to the University of Maine (Institute for Quaternary studies) and began my career as a glaciologist by spending the 1976/77 field season in Antarctica helping Bob Thomas (now at Wallops Flight Center, NASA) conduct the Ross Ice Shelf Glaciological and Geophysical Survey (RIGGS). After taking a MS degree at University of Maine with Bob and another mentor, Terry Hughes, I went on to study computational fluid dynamics of polar oceans and ice shelves at the GFD program of Princeton University, with Kirk Bryan as my main advisor.  There, I developed a respect for finite-element modeling methods as a means of understanding the intricacies of glaciological flow dynamics, and went on, after my PhD in 1983 to University of Chicago, where I have been on the faculty ever since. My wonderful colleagues at the University of Chicago, and especially Victor Barcilon and the late George Platzman, continue to inspire and educate me. Now, I consider the group of students, postdoctoral scholars and fellow faculty among my best teachers. I also greatly value my colleagues who work elsewhere, especially Emile Okal, Rick Aster, Jeremy Bassis, Jason Amundson and about 3 dozen others (you know who you are) whose collective brilliance and generosity have enriched my life.

Research I'd like to do

Here are a few of my recent research proposals. They provide a snapshot of what I'm considering doing over the coming months to years.

  • Catastrophic ice-shelf collapse as a problem in "mosh-pit dynamics" [pdf]
  • Sea-swell in ice-shelf environments as a factor in iceberg calving [pdf]
  • Ice-sheet surface optics, surface melting and melt-pond to bed drainage [pdf]

CV

[pdf]

Select Publications

(see CV above for full list)

 

  • Martin, S., R. Drucker, R. Aster, F. Davey, E. Okal, T. Scambos, and D. MacAyeal, 2010. Kinematic and Seismic Analysis of the Giant Tabular Iceberg Breakup at Cape Adare, Antarctica. J. Geophys. Res., 115, doi:10.1029/2009JB006700. [pdf]
  • Bromirski, P. D., O. V. Sergienko and D. R. MacAyeal, 2010. Transoceanic infragravity waves impacting Antarctic ice shelves. Geophysical Research Letters, 37, L02502. [pdf]
  • Sergienko, O. V., R. A. Bindschadler and D. R. MacAyeal, 2009. Stick/Slip behavior of ice streams: Modeling investigations. Annals of Glaciology, 50(52), 87-94. [pdf]
  • Cathles, L. M., E. A. Okal and D. R. MacAyeal, 2009. Sea-swell arrival at the front of the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica, observed in a 2-year seismometer record. Journal of Geophysical Research, 114, F02015, doi:10.1029/2007JF000934. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., E. A. Okal, R. C. Aster and J. N. Bassis, 2009. Seismic Observations of Glaciogenic Ocean Waves (Micro-Tsunamis) on Icebergs and Ice Shelves. Journal of Glaciology, 55(190), 193-206. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., E. A. Okal, R. C. Aster and J. N. Bassis, 2008. Seismic and hydroacoustic tremor generated by colliding icebergs. Journal of Geophysical Research, 113, F03011, doi: 10.1029/2008JF001005. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., M. H. Okal, J. E. Thom, K. M. Brunt, Y.-J. Kim and A. K. Bliss, 2008. Tabular iceberg collisions within the coastal regime. Journal of Glaciology, 54(118), 371-386. [pdf]
  • Arbic, B. K., J. X. Mitrovica, D. R. MacAyeal and G. A. Milne, 2008. On the factors behind large Labrador Sea tidal elevations during the last glacial cycle, and the potential implications for Heinrich events. Paleoceanography, 23, PA3211, doi: 10.1029/2007PA001573. [pdf]
  • Sergienko, O. V., R. A. Bindschadler, P. L. Vornberger and D. R. MacAyeal, 2008. Ice stream basal conditions from block-wise surface data inversion and simple regression models of ice stream flow: Application for Bindschadler Ice Stream. Journal of Geophysical Research, 113, F04010, doi:10.1029/2008JF001004. [pdf]
  • Leonard, K. C., L.-Bruno Tremblay, D. R. MacAyeal, and S. S. Jacobs, 2008. Interactions of wind-transported snow with a rift in the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica, Geophysical Research Letters, 35, L05501, doi:10.1029/2007GL033005. [pdf]
  • Sergienko, O. V., D. R. MacAyeal and R. A. Bindschadler, 2007. Causes of sudden, short term changes in ice-stream surface elevation. Geophysical Research Letters, 34, L22503, doi:10.1029/2006GL027235. [pdf]
  • Sergienko, O. V., D. R. MacAyeal and J. E. Thom, 2007. Reconstruction of snow/firn thermal properties from observed temperature variation: Application to iceberg C16 (Ross Sea, Antarctica), 2004-2007. Annals of Glaciology, 49, 91-95. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., E. A. Okal, R. C. Aster, et al., 2006. Transoceanic wave propagation links iceberg calving margins of Antarctica with storms in tropics and Northern Hemisphere. Geophysical Research Letters, 33(17): L17502. [pdf]
  • Brunt K.M., O. Sergienko and D. R. MacAyeal, 2006. Observations of unusual fast-ice conditions in the southwest Ross Sea, Antarctica: Preliminary analysis of iceberg and storminess effects. Annals of Glaciology, 44, 183-18. [pdf]
  • Scambos, T., O. Sergienko, A. Sargent, D. R. MacAyeal and J. Fastook, 2005. ICESat profiles of tabular iceberg margins and iceberg breakup at low latitudes. Geophysical Research Letters, 32: L23S09. [pdf]
  • Joughin, I., and D. R. MacAyeal, 2005. Calving of large tabular icebergs from ice shelf rift systems. Geophysical Research Letters, 32(2): L02501. [pdf]
  • Fricker, H. A., J. N. Bassis, B. Minster and D. R. MacAyeal, 2005. ICESat's new perspective on ice shelf rifts: The vertical dimension. Geophysical Research Letters, 32(23), L23S08. [pdf]
  • Hulbe, C. L., D. R. MacAyeal, G. H. Denton, et al., 2004. Catastrophic ice shelf breakup as the source of Heinrich event icebergs. Paleoceanography, 19(1): PA1004. [pdf] see also [reply]
  • Joughin, I., D. R. MacAyeal and S. Tulaczyk, 2004. Basal shear stress of the Ross ice streams from control method inversions. Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, 109(B9): B09405. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., T. A. Scambos, C. L. Hulbe, et al., 2003. Catastrophic ice-shelf break-up by an ice-shelf-fragment-capsize mechanism. Journal of Glaciology, 49(164), 22-36. [pdf]
  • MacClune, K. L., A. G. Fountain, J. S. Kargel and D. R. MacAyeal, 2003. Glaciers of the McMurdo dry valleys: Terrestrial analog for Martian polar sublimation. Journal of Geophysical Research-Planets, 108(E4), 5031. [pdf]
  • Rignot, E., L. Padman, D. R. MacAyeal and M. Schmeltz, 2000. Observation of ocean tides below the Filchner and Ronne Ice Shelves, Antarctica, using synthetic aperture radar interferometry: Comparison with tide model predictions. Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans, 105(C8), 19615-19630. [pdf]
  • Hulbe, C. L. and D. R. MacAyeal, 1999. A new numerical model of coupled inland ice sheet, ice stream and ice shelf flow and its application to the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Journal of Geophysical Research, 104 (B11), 349-366. [pdf]
  • Alley, R. B., and D. R. MacAyeal, 1994. Ice-rafted debris associated with binge/purge oscillations of the Laurentide ice sheet. Paleoceanography, 9, 503-511. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1993. A tutorial on the use of control methods in ice sheet modeling. J. Glaciol., 39(131), 91-98. [pdf]
  • Lindstrom, D. R. and D. R. MacAyeal, 1993. Death of an ice sheet. Nature, 365, 214-215. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1993. Binge/Purge oscillations of the Laurentide Ice Sheet as a cause of the North Atlantic's Heinrich Eents. Paleoceanography, 8, 775-784. [pdf]
  • Barcilon, V., and D. R. MacAyeal, 1993. Steady flow of a viscous ice stream across a no-slip/free-slip transition at the bed. Journal of Glaciology, 39, 167-185. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1992. The basal stress distribution of ice stream E, Antarctica, inferred by control methods. Journal of Geophysical Research, 97(B1), 595-603. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1992. Irregular oscillations of the West Antarctic ice sheet. Nature, 359, 29-32. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1989. Large-scale ice flow over a viscous basal sediment: Theory and application to ice stream B, Antarctica. Journal of Geophysical Research, 94(B4), 4071-4088. [pdf]
  • Lindstrom, D. R. and D. R. MacAyeal, 1989. Scandinavian, Siberian and Arctic Ocean glaciation: Effect of Holocene atmospheric C02 Variations. Science, 245(4918), 628-631. [pdf]
  • Bindschadler, R. A., S. N. Stephenson, D. R. MacAyeal and S. Shabtaie, 1987. Ice dynamics at the mouth of ice stream B, Antarctica. Journal of Geophysical Research, 92(B9), 8885-8894. [pdf]
  • Lindstrom, D. R., and D. R. MacAyeal, 1987. Environmental Constraints on West Antarctic Ice Sheet Formation. Journal of Glaciology, 33(115), 1 - 11. [pdf]
  • Lindstrom, D. R., and D. R. MacAyeal, 1986. Paleoclimatic constraints on the maintenance of possible ice-shelf cover in the Norwegian and Greenland Seas, Paleooceanography, 1(3), 313-337. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1983. Preventing a collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet: Civil Engineering on a continental scale. Annals of Glaciology, 4, 302. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1984. Numerical simulations of the Ross Sea Tides. Journal of Geophysical Research, 89(C1), 607-615. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1985. Tidal rectification below the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica. In Oceanology of the Antarctic Continental Shelves. S. Jacobs, ed., Antarctic Research Series, 43, 133-144, AGU, Washington, DC. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1985. Evolution of tidally triggered meltwater plumes below ice shelves. In Oceanology of the Antarctic Continental Shelves. S. Jacobs, ed., Antarctic Research Series, 43, 109-132,AGU, Washington, DC. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1984. Thermohaline circulation below the Ross Ice Shelf: a consequence of tidally induced vertical mixing and basal melting. Journal of Geophysical Research, 89(C1), 597-606. [pdf]
  • MacAyeal, D. R., 1979. A catastrophe model of the paleoclimate. Journal of Glaciology, 24(90), 245-257. [pdf]

Lecture notes, books and casual reading

  • Lessons in Ice Sheet Modeling, by D. R. MacAyeal. [pdf]
  • Finding Connections Between Data and Theory: Applications in Geophysical Sciences, by D. R. MacAyeal and V. Barcilon. [pdf]
  • Portrait of the Glaciologist as a Young Dynamicist, by J. Joyce (with help of D. R. MacAyeal). [pdf]
  • The Enchantments of Manali, by S. Rushdown (with help of D. R. MacAyeal). [pdf]
  • La Berg Ancien. by H. S. MacAyeal and D. R. MacAyeal. [pdf]

Course Websites

If you are a member of the University of Chicago community, you can access my class notes and websites on chalk.  A CnetID and password are required to access this information.

  • Dynamic Environment, Part I: Emergence of Humankind
  • Dynamic Environment, Part II: Settlement Systems
  • Introduction to Seismology
  • Physical Oceanography
  • Ice Age Earth

Contact Information

email: drm7@uchicago.edu

Department of Geophysical Sciences
5734 S. Ellis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637

Room 413
Hinds Geophysical Laboratory

Home address:
5807 S. Dorchester Ave.
Apt. 3F
Chicago, IL 60637

773-702-8027 (office)
773-752-6078 (home)
773-702-9505 (fax)

My old website

http://geosci.uchicago.edu/~drm7

Doug in office


 
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