Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Glaciology

Publisher

International Glaciology Society

Rights and Access Note

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Publication Date

12-1-2001

First Page

589

Last Page

594

Issue Number

159

Volume Number

47

Abstract/ Summary

Methanesulfonate was investigated as a potential contributor to the sulfur budget, based on analysis of a firn core from Collins Ice Cap, King George Island, Antarctica (62°10' S, 58°50' W). The anion was found to be present at a mean concentration of 0.17 μeq L-1, with a maximum of 0.73 μeq L-1. Dating based on the δ18O profile suggests that the principal peaks of methanesulfonate are associated with snow deposited in summer and autumn. A careful examination of MSA, SO42-and nssSO42- profiles indicates that two of the three peaks in the MSA profile mayresult mainlyfrom migration and relocation of MSA. The mechanism responsible for this might be similar to that for deep cores from other Antarctic glaciers, supporting the migration hypothesis proposed by prior researchers and extending it to near-temperate ice. Due to the post-depositional modification, the main part of the MSA profile of the firn is no longer indicative of the seasonal pattern of MSA in the atmosphere, and the basis for calculation of the MSA/nssSO42- ratio should be changed. The MSA/nssSO42- ratio obtained bya new computation is 0.22, 10% higher than that ignoring the effect of MSA migration.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Han, J., Xie, Z., Zhang, Xinping, Z., Dai, D. and Mayewski, P.A., 2001, Methanesulfonate in the firn of King George Island, Antarctica, Journal of Glaciology 47 (159), 589-594.

Publisher Statement

© Copyright 2001 by International Glaciology Society

DOI

10.3189/172756501781831828

Version

publisher's version of the published document

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In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted.