Ice shaping induced by a capillary river

We investigate experimentaly the erosion of inclined ice blocks caused by water flow on their upper surfaces, in the context of the development of supraglacial rivers and its flow dynamics. We observe both linear and nonlinear patterns resembling meanders found in granular mediums for instance. Using a Phase Shifting Profilometry (PSP) method, made of sinusoidal fringes projection, we characterize and analyze the ice surface deformations. Additionally, we determine the surface temperature field, which can drive the flow and the melting dynamics thanks to a thermal camera.