Abstract
Ice cores contain a detailed record of fallout from large volcanic eruptions. Identification of volcanic glass particles is used to aid in dating ice cores (tephrachronology). In addition, it should be possible to relate concentrations of volcanogenically-derived species; silicate glass particles, sulfate (from oxidation of SO2), chloride and fluoride to atmospheric levels which existed shortly after eruption. This information, coupled with proxy meteorological records from the core, can be used to assess the climatic impact from major volcanic eruptions.Automated scanning electron microscopy has been used to detect volcanic glass particles >1 μm in diameter in ice core meltwater samples filtered onto Nuclepore filters. It is important to be able to detect submicrometer volcanic glass particles because of their longer atmospheric residence time and the fact that they comprise a significant portion of the number of glass particles deposited in an ice core. Existing procedures for automated analysis of micrometer size particles need to be modified to efficiently analyze submicrometer particles.
Published Version
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