Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Arête Glacier Initiative offers funding for research focused on grounding zone processes in ice sheets, including ice-ocean interaction, subglacial water dynamics, and sediment-driven grounding line behavior. Grants of up to $150,000 are available for 1 to 2 year projects.
The programme emphasizes the use of existing datasets and modeling approaches rather than fieldwork, with a focus on improving understanding of ice sheet stability and sea-level rise.
What Is the Arête Glacier Initiative?
The Arête Glacier Initiative supports scientific research that improves understanding of how ice sheets interact with the ocean and bedrock at the grounding line, the critical transition zone where ice begins to float.
This region is a key control point for ice sheet stability and future sea-level rise projections.
Main Research Objective
The programme aims to improve understanding of:
- Grounding line stability and movement
- Ice-ocean interaction processes
- Subglacial hydrology and water pressure systems
- Sediment-driven grounding zone formation
- Ocean-induced melting variability
- Mechanical coupling between ice, water, and bedrock
Core Scientific Focus Areas
1. Grounding Zone Dynamics
Study of how ice sheets transition from grounded to floating conditions.
Key topics:
- Grounding line migration
- Stability thresholds
- Ice shelf formation processes
2. Subglacial Water Systems
Understanding water beneath ice sheets and its role in lubrication and movement.
Key topics:
- Water pressure variation
- Drainage pathways
- Hydrological feedback systems
3. Ice-Ocean Interaction
How ocean conditions influence melting and ice stability.
Key topics:
- Basal melting rates
- Ocean temperature variability
- Salinity-driven melting processes
4. Sediment and Bed Processes
Role of sediments in shaping grounding zones.
Key topics:
- Sediment deformation
- Bed roughness effects
- Grounding zone landform formation
5. Mechanical Ice Behavior
Interaction between ice, water pressure, and bedrock.
Key topics:
- Stress distribution
- Ice deformation modeling
- Frictional processes
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: $150,000
- Project duration: 1–2 years
- Overhead allowance: up to 10%
- No funding for:
- Conferences
- Fieldwork
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be capable of conducting research in the proposed area
Funding may be received:
- Through institutions
- By individuals
International Collaboration Requirement
If research is conducted outside the applicant’s home country:
- At least one team member from the host country must be included
Compliance Requirements
All funding must comply with U.S. laws and regulations, including:
- OFAC sanctions rules
- Restrictions on sanctioned countries or entities
Funds cannot be provided to:
- Individuals in restricted regions
- Organisations under sanctions
- Prohibited entities or jurisdictions
Research Approach
The initiative prioritizes:
- Use of existing datasets
- Numerical modeling
- Theoretical and computational analysis
- Data synthesis studies
- Ice sheet system simulations
Field-based work is explicitly not supported.
Expected Outcomes
Successful projects may produce:
- Grounding line behavior models
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Improved ice sheet stability frameworks
- Dataset re-analysis results
- Predictive modeling tools
- Technical reports
Strong Proposal Examples
- Ice sheet grounding line stability modeling
- Subglacial hydrology and ocean interaction analysis
- Sediment-influenced grounding zone simulations
- Reanalysis of satellite ice sheet datasets
- Coupled ice-ocean numerical modeling studies
What Is Not Funded?
The programme does not support:
- Field expeditions
- Conferences or travel activities
- Experimental field instrumentation
- Work in sanctioned regions or with restricted entities
How to Apply
Step 1: Define Scientific Question
Focus on a specific grounding zone process.
Step 2: Use Existing Data
Identify datasets such as:
- Satellite observations
- Oceanographic records
- Ice sheet models
Step 3: Build Modeling Framework
Explain:
- Computational methods
- Simulation tools
- Analytical approach
Step 4: Define Outputs
Include:
- Publications
- Models
- Datasets
- Technical reports
Step 5: Ensure Compliance
Confirm:
- Eligibility of all team members
- Country restrictions
- Sanctions compliance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Budget Issues
- Including travel or fieldwork costs
- Exceeding 10% overhead cap
Methodology Gaps
- Lack of dataset clarity
- No modeling framework
- Weak grounding zone focus
Compliance Failures
- Missing host-country collaborator
- Ignoring sanctions requirements
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus tightly on grounding line processes
- Use robust existing datasets
- Emphasize modeling innovation
- Show clear scientific contribution
- Define measurable research outputs
- Avoid fieldwork dependency
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much funding is available?
Up to $150,000 per project.
2. How long can projects run?
Between 1 and 2 years.
3. Is fieldwork allowed?
No. Fieldwork and conferences are not funded.
4. Can individuals apply?
Yes, funding can be awarded to individuals or institutions.
5. Is international collaboration allowed?
Yes, but host-country participation is required for overseas work.
6. What is the main research focus?
Grounding zone and grounding line ice sheet dynamics.
7. Are datasets required?
Yes, projects should primarily use existing datasets.
Conclusion
The Arête Glacier Initiative 2026 supports advanced research into grounding zone processes that control ice sheet stability. With funding up to $150,000, it enables high-impact modeling and data-driven studies that improve understanding of sea-level rise mechanisms.
Strong proposals should focus on computational analysis, existing datasets, and clearly defined grounding line research questions.
For more information, visit Arête Glacier Initiative.