Polar ice shelves play a crucial role at the interface between the ocean and glaciers, acting as a barrier that slows the advance of grounded ice into the ocean. However, the  rapid melting of these ice shelves has accelerated ice flow into the ocean, contributing to rising sea levels. This effect is expected to increase with rising global temperatures. 
 Extreme topographic features such as terraces and channels have been found on the underside of rapidly melting ice shelves, such as those connected to the Thwaites and Pine Island Glaciers. However, climate models cannot resolve these features. This project aims to investigate the effect of extreme topography on ice melt and ocean currents below the ice shelf through a combination of observations and model studies.