Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Antarctic Science

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

12-1-2006

First Page

497

Last Page

505

Issue Number

4

Volume Number

18

Abstract/ Summary

We have determined the flux of calcium, chloride and nitrate to the McMurdo Dry Valleys region by analysing snow pits for their chemical composition and their snow accumulation using multiple records spanning up to 48 years. The fluxes demonstrate patterns related to elevation and proximity to the ocean. In general, there is a strong relationship between the nitrate flux and snow accumulation, indicating that precipitation rates may have a great influence over the nitrogen concentrations in the soils of the valleys. Aeolian dust transport plays an important role in the deposition of some elements (e.g. C(2+)) into the McMurdo Dry Valleys' soils. Because of the antiquity of some of the soil surfaces in the McMurdo Dry Valleys regions, the accumulated atmospheric flux of salts to the soils has important ecological consequences. Although precipitation may be an important mechanism of salt deposition to the McMurdo Dry Valley surfaces, it is poorly understood because of difficulties in measurement and high losses from sublimation.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Witherow, RA, Lyons, WB, Bertler, NAN, Welch, KA, Mayewski, PA, Sneed, SB, Nylen, T, et al., 2006, The Aeolian Flux of Calcium, Chloride and Nitrate to the McMurdo Dry Valleys Landscape: Evidence from Snow Pit Analysis: Antarctic Science, v. 18, p. 497-505. Available on publisher's site at: http://www.esaim-m2an.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=545608&fulltextType=RA&fileId=S095410200600054X

Publisher Statement

© Copyright 2006 by Cambridge University Press

DOI

10.1017/S095410200600054X

Version

publisher's version of the published document

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Rights Statement

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted.