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

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Gorham, Eville
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1958
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Svalbard; Nordaustlandet; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000024217; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000024217

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.