Trace elements in Vostok Antarctic ice during the last four climatic cycles

Abstract

Li, Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Co, As, Rb, Sr, Ba and U were determined by inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS) in various section of the 3623 m Vostok deep Antarctic ice core dated from 4,600 to 240,000 years BP, which corresponds to the last two climatic cycles back to isotopic stage 7.5. Concentrations of all elements were found to be highly variable with low values during interglacial periods and warm interstadials and much higher values during the coldest periods of the last and next to last ice ages. Crustal enrichment factors suggest various sources for the different elements. Rock and soil dust is the dominant source of V, Mn, Rb, Ba and U whatever the period, and of Li, Cr, Co, Sr and As during cold periods. Sea salt aerosol, together with aeolian dust, contributes significantly also to Sr whereas volcanic emissions could provide a significant input of As during interglacial periods.