Super slippery surface concepts: A novel explanation for the dynamics and flow instability of glaciers and ice sheets

Abstract The driving mechanisms of glacier fast flow and the cyclical instability inherent in ice streams and surging glaciers are not fully understood. Current theories suggest fast flow is driven by glacier sliding and basal deformation facilitated by water at the ice–bed interface and/or the presence of weak till. However, the wettability of sediments and the physics driving these sediment–water interactions have yet to be fully explored. Here, we review recent work on superhydrophobicity, hydrophobic soils and lubricated surfaces, and bring together aspects of materials science, biophysics and geoscience, to propose three modes by which a subglacial environment could become super slippery. Those modes are via (i) hydrophobic chemistry, (ii) microbial biofilms or (iii) the incorporation of oil. We then hypothesise how ice flow on super slippery sediments would result in enhanced sliding and deformation by introducing or increasing a lubricated interface and/or creating zones of sediment weakness and instability. We propose that future research should further explore this potential paradigm to soft bed deformation and sliding.