An emerging technique: multi-ice-core multi-parameter correlations with Antarctic sea-ice extent

• Main Authors: Sneed, Sharon B., Mayewski, Paul Andrew, Dixon, Daniel A.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@UMaine 2011
• Subjects: arctic sea ice extent; ice core analysis; Earth Sciences; Geochemistry; Glaciology; Antarc*; Antarctic; ice core; Sea ice; South pole
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/ers_facpub/172; https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/context/ers_facpub/article/1171/viewcontent/sneed.pdf

ABSTRACT. Using results stemming from the International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition (ITASE) ice-core array plus data from ice cores from the South Pole and Siple Dome we investigate the use of sodium (Na+), non-sea-salt sulfate (nssSO4 2–) and methylsulfonate (MS–) as proxies for Antarctic sea-ice extent (SIE). Maximum and mean annual chemistry concentrations for these three species correlate significantly with maximum, mean and minimum annual SIE, offering more information and clarification than single ice-core and single species approaches. Significant correlations greater than 90% exist between Na+ and maximum SIE; nssSO4 2– with minimum and mean SIE; and MS– with mean SIE. Correlations with SIE within large geographic regions are in the same direction for all ice-core sites for Na+ and nssSO4 2– but not MS–. All ice cores display an SIE correlation with nssSO4 2– and MS–, but not all correlate with Na+. This multi-core multi-parameter study provides the initial step in determining which chemical species can be used reliably and in which regions as a building block for embedding other ice-core records. Once established, the resulting temporal and spatial matrix can be used to relate ice extents, atmospheric patterns, biological productivity and site conditions.