Authors: Smith, Barbara T.; van Ommen, Tas D.; Curran, Mark A.J.

Source: Annals of Glaciology, Volume 39, Number 1, June 2004 , pp. 540-544(5)

Publisher: International Glaciological Society

Abstract:

Methanesulphonic acid (MSA) is an important trace-ion constituent in ice cores, with connections to biological activity and sea-ice distribution. Post-depositional movement of MSA has been documented in firn, and this study investigates movement in solid ice by measuring variations in MSA distribution across several horizontal sections from an ice core after 14.5 years storage. The core used is from below the bubble close-off depth at Dome Summit South, Law Dome, East Antarctica. MSA concentration was studied at 3 and 0.5 cm resolution across the core widths. Its distribution was uniform through the core centres, but the outer 3 cm showed gradients in concentrations down to less than half of the central value at the core edge. This effect is consistent with diffusion to the surrounding air during its 14.5 year storage. The diffusion coefficient is calculated to be 2 × 10⁻¹³ m² s⁻¹, and the implications for the diffusion mechanism are discussed.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/172756404781814645

Publication date: 2004-06-01

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• The Annals of Glaciology is a peer-reviewed, thematic journal published 2 to 4 times a year by the International Glaciological Society (IGS). Publication frequency is determined and volume/issue numbers assigned by the IGS Council on a year-to-year basis and with a lead time of 3 to 4 years. The Annals of Glaciology is included in the ISI Science Citation Index from volume 50, number 50 onwards.

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