Chinese Journal of Polar Research

ADVANCES IN POLAR SCIENCE ›› 1999, Vol. 10 ›› Issue (1-English): 61-66.

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The primary research on the environmental climatic records of the two snow pits recovered from Princess Elizabeth Land, Antarctica

 Zhang Mingjun1, Li Zhongqin1, Qin Dahe1 and Li Jun2   

  1. 1 Lanzhou Institute of Glaciology and Geocryology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China;
    2 Antarctic CRC and Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart, Australia
  • Online:1949-03-30 Published:1949-03-30
  • Contact: Zhang Mingjun

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Abstract:

Snow samples collected from two snow pits (2.5 m and 3.5 m deep) along the route of the 1996/1997 Chinese Antarctic Inland Expedition in Princess Elizabeth Land, East Antarctica, have been analyzed for chemical composition and oxygen isotope ratio. Annul accumulation layers can be well identified based on fluctuations of major anions (especially Cl-) and δ18O. However, no obvious seasonal variations of cation concentrations were found in the profiles. The results provide a useful tool for dating the snow stratum in this region. High sulfate (SO42-) concentrations found in the two snow pit profiles for the periods of 1992-1995 may be due to the June 1991 Pinatubo (Philippines) volcanic eruption and August 1991 Cerro Hudson eruption in Chile.

Key words: Princess Elizabeth Land, anion, cation, δ18O, volcanic eruption