Turbulence Meets Ice: Decoding the Equilibrium of Scalloped Geometries

Scallops are dune-like patterns that form at the ice-water interface and maintain their shape during melting. In this study, we employ Large Eddy Simulation (LES) to investigate the turbulent dynamics and heat transfer mechanisms near ice–water interfaces with varying surface geometries. Two configurations are analyzed: a flat ice surface and a scalloped surface exhibiting periodic undulations. LES enables detailed resolution of large-scale turbulent structures while modeling sub-grid scale effects, providing deeper insight into the boundary layer behavior that governs melting processes. The results demonstrate that geometric significantly alters local flow patterns, enhances turbulence, and increases melt rates through intensified recirculation and shear. Grid convergence analysis confirms numerical accuracy, with the scalloped case exhibiting a mean melt rate approximately 78% higher than that of the flat case. The simulations also reveal the interplay between buoyancy-driven convection and turbulence near the interface, highlighting the importance of topographic features in phase change dynamics. These findings improve our understanding of melt–flow interaction in natural ice systems and inform the development of predictive models for glaciological and engineering applications involving turbulent melting and heat exchange.