Elemental concentrations and inorganic isotopic ratios in surface snow along the route to Dome Fuji, Antarctica

Abstract:

Snow ice sample in Antarctica contains particulate matter. Particulates originate from continent, volcano, sea, space, and organism. The particulate matter of continental origin contains many elements from minerals and rocks. The isotopic ratio of an element reflects the origin and the history of the particle. Since the isotopic ratio of inorganic species depends on the source, the information about the source contribution of particulate matter can be estimated by analyzing the isotopic ratios of inorganic species. In this research, concentrations of inorganic species and isotopic ratios of inorganic species (Ca, Sr, Nd) in snow collected on the route form coastal area to Dome Fuji station in Antarctica were analyzed.

The snow samples were collected along ca. 1000 km traverse route from Mikaeridai (S16; 69°01'S, 40°03'E, 590 m) to Dome Fuji station (77°19'S, 39°42'E, 3810 m) by the Japan Antarctica research expedition. Those samples were collected in the 2007/2008 and 2009/2010 austral summer. The samples were transported to Japan without thawing. The quantitative analyses of inorganic species were measured using ICP quadrupole type mass spectrometer. The isotopic ratios of isolated inorganic species were measured using ICP magnetic field type mass spectrometer. Further results and discussion about the behavior and origin of sulfur species in snow will be presented.