Optimization of High-Resolution Continuous Flow Analysis for Transient Climate Signals in Ice Cores

TY - JOUR

T1 - Optimization of High-Resolution Continuous Flow Analysis for Transient Climate Signals in Ice Cores

AU - Bigler, Matthias

AU - Svensson, Anders

AU - Kettner, Ernesto

AU - Vallelonga, Paul Travis

AU - Nielsen, Maibritt

AU - Steffensen, Jørgen Peder

PY - 2011/5/15

Y1 - 2011/5/15

N2 - Over the past two decades, continuous flow analysis (CFA) systems have been refined and widely used to measure aerosol constituents in polar and alpine ice cores in very high-depth resolution. Here we present a newly designed system consisting of sodium, ammonium, dust particles, and electrolytic meltwater conductivity detection modules. The system is optimized for high- resolution determination of transient signals in thin layers of deep polar ice cores. Based on standard measurements and by comparing sections of early Holocene and glacial ice from Greenland, we find that the new system features a depth resolution in the ice of a few millimeters which is considerably better than other CFA systems. Thus, the new system can resolve ice strata down to 10 mm thickness and has the potential of identifying annual layers in both Greenland and Antarctic ice cores throughout the last glacial cycle.

AB - Over the past two decades, continuous flow analysis (CFA) systems have been refined and widely used to measure aerosol constituents in polar and alpine ice cores in very high-depth resolution. Here we present a newly designed system consisting of sodium, ammonium, dust particles, and electrolytic meltwater conductivity detection modules. The system is optimized for high- resolution determination of transient signals in thin layers of deep polar ice cores. Based on standard measurements and by comparing sections of early Holocene and glacial ice from Greenland, we find that the new system features a depth resolution in the ice of a few millimeters which is considerably better than other CFA systems. Thus, the new system can resolve ice strata down to 10 mm thickness and has the potential of identifying annual layers in both Greenland and Antarctic ice cores throughout the last glacial cycle.

U2 - 10.1021/es200118j

DO - 10.1021/es200118j

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 21504155

SN - 0013-936X

VL - 45

SP - 4483

EP - 4489

JO - Environmental Science & Technology (Washington)

JF - Environmental Science & Technology (Washington)

IS - 10

ER -