Evidence of calcium carbonates in coastal (Talos Dome and Ross Sea area) East Antarctica snow and firn: Environmental and climatic implications
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2008
Citazione:
Evidence of calcium carbonates in coastal (Talos Dome and Ross Sea area) East Antarctica snow and firn: Environmental and climatic implications / M. SALA, B. DELMONTE, M. FREZZOTTI, M. PROPOSITO, C. SCARCHILLI, V. MAGGI, G. ARTIOLI, M. DAPIAGGI, F. MARINO, P.C. RICCI, G. DE GIUDICI. - In: EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS. - ISSN 0012-821X. - 271:1-4(2008), pp. 43-52. [10.1016/j.epsl.2008.03.045]
Abstract:
Micrometre-sized aeolian dust particles stored in Antarctic firn and ice layers are a useful tool for reconstructing
climate and environmental changes in the past. The mineral content, particle concentration and
chemical composition of modern dust in firn cores from the peripherycal dome (Talos Dome) and coastal area
of East Antarctica (Ross Sea sector) were investigated. During analyses there was a considerable decrease in
microparticle concentrations within a few hours of ice sample melting, accompanied by a systematic increase
in the concentration of calcium ions (Ca2+) in solution. Based on mineralogical phase analyses, which reveal
the presence of anhydrous and hydrous calcium carbonates such as calcite (CaCO3), monohydrocalcite
(CaCO3·H2O) and ikaite (CaCO3·6H2O, hexahydrate calcium carbonate), the observed variations in
concentrations are ascribed to the partial dissolution of the carbonate content of samples. Soluble carbonate
compounds are thus primary aerosols included into the samples along with insoluble aluminosilicate
minerals. We hypothesize hydrous carbonates may derive from the sea ice surface, where ikaite typically
forms at the early stages of sea ice formation. Back trajectory calculations show that favourable events for air
mass advection from the sea ice surface to Talos Dome are rare but likely to occur.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Antarctica; atmospheric circulation; dust; mineralogy; palaeoclimate
Elenco autori:
M. Sala, B. Delmonte, M. Frezzotti, M. Proposito, C. Scarchilli, V. Maggi, G. Artioli, M. Dapiaggi, F. Marino, P.C. Ricci, G. DE GIUDICI
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