Development of a model for ice core dating based on grain elongation

A simple quasi-empirical model is presented to calculate the deformation rate and age scale corresponding to ice core depth, where grain size and shape are determined only by grain growth and grain deformation processes. Given the size and elongation of grains as a function of ice core depth and the accumulation rate at the ice-sheet surface, it is possible to determine the ice core age scale. The model results are in good agreement with measured values of the rate of grain deformation and the age scale for the GIPS2 ice core at depths above 700 m.