This book presents, for the first time, a previously unknown general solution to the reliably known stress conditions. This general solution provides a reliable and new starting point to advance stress calculations beyond what has been achieved so far.

It allows for the discovery of approximately realistic solutions, despite a recurring problem: the information deficits that are inevitably caused by the challenging exploration of glaciers. This topic is demonstrated using the example of stagnant glaciers.

For horizontally isotropic-homogeneous ice shelf models, mathematically exact, unambiguous solutions to all relevant conditions are even provided.

All calculations utilize only elementary arithmetic operations, differentiation, and integration. The mathematical foundations are thoroughly presented and explained in numerous application examples. The integral operators specific to stress calculations facilitate the mathematical considerations. The self-contained text enables the reader to understand the concepts without needing to focus on the formulas.

The Author

Peter Halfar is a theoretical physicist. He is also the originator of a model for the movement of large ice caps that is still in use today.