Stable-isotope ratios (δ¹⁸O and δD) in a firn core from West Antarctica

Abstract

A 22.48 m long ice core (BR-IC-4) was collected in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (at 83°58’59.4” S, 80°07’01.4” W, 1,295 m above the sea level) during the Austral summer of 2004–2005, as a contribution to the International Trans-Antarctic Expedition program. The isotopic composition (δD and δ¹⁸O) of 599 samples, corresponding to the upper 12.98 m of the ice core, was determined by gas source mass spectrometry and cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Relative dating was based on the isotopic ratios and major ions (MS^-, Na⁺, nssSO₄ ^2-) and trace elements (Na, S, Sr) concentrations. The record covers approximately 13 years – from 1990 to 2003. The mean accumulation rate of 0.48 ± 0.09 m water equivalent per year (m eq H₂O a¹) is relatively high for the geographical area and possibly results from snowdrifting from near areas, as attested by ice glaze surfaces in other sites in the region. The stable isotope δD content varies between -367.90‰ and 256.30‰ (mean -314.42 ± 19.01‰); and δ¹⁸O ranges from -44.96‰ to 35.08‰ (mean -39.95 ± 2.05‰). Deuterium excess values (mean 3.70 ± 1.54‰) indicate episodic intense oceanic evaporation and high relative humidity in the moisture sources.

Key words
Antarctica; firn core; glaciology; stable isotopes