Dielectric stratigraphy of ice: A new technique for determining total ionic concentrations in polar ice cores

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL016i010p01177· OSTI ID:5546911

Moore, J C; Mulvaney, R; Paren, J G ^[1]

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1. British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge (England)

A 133 m deep Antarctic ice core from Dolleman Island, Antarctic Peninsula, has been profiled by dielectric measurements in the AF-LF (20 Hz - 100 kHz) frequency range. This has revealed large variations in dielectric relaxation and conductivity down the core. A comparison with the chemical stratigraphy along 45 m of the core demonstrates for the first time the decisive role played by acids and salts in determining the electrical behavior of natural ice. The total ionic concentration along the ice core can be deduced from the dielectric response. This technique may be applied rapidly in the field and, as it requires no contact between ice core and electrodes, the core is maintained in pristine condition for later chemical analysis.

• OSTI ID: 5546911
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (USA), Vol. 16:10; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANTARCTICA
ICE
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
IONIC CONDUCTIVITY
DEPTH
DRILL CORES
INORGANIC ACIDS
MEASURING METHODS
SALTS
STRATIGRAPHY
VARIATIONS
ANTARCTIC REGIONS
DIMENSIONS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
GEOLOGY
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLAR REGIONS
540320* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)