Glaciochemical Studies and Estimated Net Mass Balances for Rennick Glacier Area, Antarctica

Abstract

Two snow and ice cores from the Rennick Glacier area, Antarctica (study area center point lat 71°15ˈS, long 162°30ˈE) were analyzed for the chemical species: chloride, sodium, reactive silicate, sulfate and nitrate. Core E10 (6.35 m) was taken from Evans Névé, a large accumulation basin at the head of Rennick Glacier. Core M1 (4.35 m) was extracted from the accumulation zone on the central plateau of the Morozumi Range, a small mountain massif bordering Rennick Glacier. Cores E10 and M1 span the time periods from 1929 to 1981 and from 1971 to 1981, respectively, as dated using seasonal variations in chloride (E10) and sulfate (M1) concentrations. An estimated net balance of 50 kg m−2 a−1 was derived for site E10 and of 182 kg m−2 a−1 for site M1. The difference in net mass balance may be explained by elevational differences (M1 1400 m a.s.1., E10 2305 m a.s.1.). Recent (1973 to 1980) increases in sodium, silicate and sulfate at site E10 may be linked to decreases in Antarctic pack-ice extent (Kukla and Gavin 1981) for the same period.