Equation of Isotope Fractionation Between Ice and Water in A Melting Snow Column with Continuous Rain and Percolation

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Búason, Thorvaldur
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1972
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000022358; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000022358

Abstract Partial differential equations are derived to describe isotope fractionation between ice and water phases in temperate snow caps and glaciers. Numerical solutions are obtained and shown to be consistent with laboratory experiments and measurements of deuterium concentrations in temperate glaciers. The process of isotope fractionation as described is manifested by application of the model to tritium fractionation in temperate snow caps.