Circulation induced by subglacial discharge in glacial fjords: Results from idealized numerical simulations

► We model a subglacial jet in a glacial fjord using a 2D non-hydrostatic model. ► A detailed scheme of a jet, vertical plume and estuarine circulation was obtained. ► Froude number and submergence determine circulation pattern in glacial fjords. ► It is possible to infer freshwater fluxes from far-field density and velocity. ► A revision of Syvitski's conceptual model is proposed.