The Salt Content of Some Ice Samples From Nordaustlandet (North East Land), Svalbard

Abstract Analyses for pH, Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , HCO 3 − , Cl − , SO 4 2− and NO 3 − have been made on land ice samples from Nordaustlandet, Svalbard. Total ions range from less than 0.02 to 0.46 milli-equivalents per litre, with sea salt generally the dominant component although calcium and m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Glaciology
Main Author: Gorham, Eville
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1958
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000024217
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000024217
Description
Summary:Abstract Analyses for pH, Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , HCO 3 − , Cl − , SO 4 2− and NO 3 − have been made on land ice samples from Nordaustlandet, Svalbard. Total ions range from less than 0.02 to 0.46 milli-equivalents per litre, with sea salt generally the dominant component although calcium and magnesium bicarbonates are relatively more abundant in a surface sample heavily contaminated by soil material from an adjacent moraine. These ions, as well as potassium and sulphate, are present in most samples in excess of possible sea-spray supply. From the surface of a crevasse to 14 m. depth down one side the concentrations of all ions except nitrate fluctuate in a similar manner. Some possible implications of the results are examined.