Book Description

Chemical analysis of surface snows and deeper ice core samples from Milcent, Greenland, indicates a marine origin for Na and Cl and a terrestrial origin for Al, Mn and V. Pre-1900 enrichment factors, based on average crustal composition, are high for Zn and Hg and appear to be related to their volatility. A comparison of pre-1900 and 1971-1973 concentrations of V and Hg shows no decided increase from industrial production; however, the abundance of Zn (relative to Al) increased three-fold during this time period. The chemical composition of ancient ice is extremely useful in interpreting modern aerosols. (Author).