Distribution of soluble impurities in cold glacial ice

Barnes, Piers R.F.; Wolff, Eric W.. 2004 Distribution of soluble impurities in cold glacial ice. Journal of Glaciology, 50 (170). 311-324. 10.3189/172756504781829918

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Abstract/Summary

Understanding the microstructure of ice underpins the interpretation of ice-core measurements and many ice-sheet properties. A detailed study of polar snow and ice using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray analysis revealed the microstructural distribution of soluble impurities. Sublimation under vacuum (etching) concentrated impurity from both the bulk and grain boundaries on to the specimen surfaces in detectable quantities. Sublimation in the cold room before examination (preetching) collected previously unobservable quantities of impurity at triple junctions. A heterogeneous distribution of impurities was observed. Chloride was frequently found to originate from the lattice, but not usually at triple junctions. Other impurities, particularly sodium chloride, were detected at grain boundaries and bubble surfaces. Sulphate was often found at triple junctions in specimens containing a high bulk concentration of the acid, frequently in conjunction with cations. This suggests the possibility that veins were only filled with significant amounts of impurity when the surrounding grain boundaries were saturated. The model of impurity arrangement inferred from the results reconciles differences between previous SEM studies; additionally it is consistent with and explains recent electrical conduction observations. The disconnected arrangement of impurity-filled grain boundaries and veins limits opportunities for significant post-depositional solute movement.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.3189/172756504781829918
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Antarctic Science in the Global Context (2000-2005) > Signals in Antarctica of Past Global Changes
ISSN:	0022-1430
NORA Subject Terms:	Meteorology and Climatology Glaciology Chemistry
Date made live:	11 Jan 2012 14:51 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/12103

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.3189/172756504781829918

Programmes:

BAS Programmes > Antarctic Science in the Global Context (2000-2005) > Signals in Antarctica of Past Global Changes

ISSN:

0022-1430

NORA Subject Terms:

Meteorology and Climatology
Glaciology
Chemistry

Date made live:

11 Jan 2012 14:51 +0 (UTC)