Premium
Glaciochemical investigation of an ice core from Belukha glacier, Siberian Altai
Author(s) -
Olivier Susanne,
Schwikowski Margit,
Brütsch Sabina,
Eyrikh Stella,
Gäggeler Heinz W.,
Lüthi Martin,
Papina Tatyana,
Saurer Matthias,
Schotterer Ulrich,
Tobler Leonhard,
Vogel Edith
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2003gl018290
Subject(s) - glacier , ice core , precipitation , sulfate , nitrate , physical geography , geology , environmental science , climatology , atmospheric sciences , chemistry , geography , meteorology , organic chemistry
During summer 2001, a 140 m long ice core was recovered from the Belukha glacier (49°48′26″N, 86°34′43″E, 4062 m a.s.l.) in the Siberian Altai. The englacial temperature of −17°C indicates that this unique glaciochemical record is well preserved and suitable for the reconstruction of air pollution levels in this previously unexplored region. The upper 86 m were dated by 210 Pb and cover the period 1862–2001. A lack of strong winter minima was observed in the δ 18 O record and attributed to the small amount of precipitation during that season and to wind erosion. The ion concentrations are comparable to those observed in Swiss glaciers, except for ammonium and formate, where enhanced concentrations indicate biogenic emissions from Siberian forests. Sulfate, ammonium and nitrate records all show anthropogenic impacts despite the remoteness of this site.