= Röthlisberger channel drainage
{c}
{title2=$N=N_R(Q),\quad N_R'(Q)>0$}
Frictional dissipation of <water> flow melts a channel's <ice> walls, while <ice> creep under <effective pressure in subglacial drainage> closes them. The resulting equilibrium has increasing effective <pressure> with discharge in the basic channel theory. A route gaining <water> can lower its <fluid pressure>[water pressure] and attract further discharge, widening at the expense of neighbors. This positive redistribution feedback produces arterial drainage.
Back to article page
