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A New Multielement Method for LA-ICP-MS Data Acquisition from Glacier Ice Cores
Nicole E Spaulding1, Sharon B Sneed1, Michael J Handley1
1Climate Change Institute, Sawyer Environmental Research Building, University of Maine , Orono, Maine 04469, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|November 2, 2017
Summary
A new multielement laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) method allows simultaneous measurement of multiple elements in glacier ice. This advances ultrahigh-resolution climate transition research and improves understanding of atmospheric lead (Pb) levels.
Area of Science:
- Paleoclimatology
- Geochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding abrupt climate transitions requires high-resolution paleoclimate archives.
- Glacier ice provides a valuable record of past atmospheric conditions.
- Previous laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) methods for ice analysis were limited to single-element measurements per ablation site.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel multielement LA-ICP-MS method for ultrahigh-resolution glacier ice analysis.
- To enable simultaneous measurement of multiple chemical elements from the same sample area.
- To improve the study of abrupt climate transitions and past atmospheric composition.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a multielement LA-ICP-MS technique.
- Simultaneous measurement of an array of chemical elements from a single ablation area in glacier ice.
- Utilized the LA-ICP-MS system at the W. M. Keck Laser Ice Facility at the University of Maine Climate Change Institute.
Main Results:
- Successfully implemented a multielement LA-ICP-MS method for glacier ice analysis.
- The new method allows for simultaneous detection of multiple elements, overcoming previous single-element limitations.
- Initial applications have provided new insights into natural levels of lead (Pb) in Earth's atmosphere.
Conclusions:
- The developed multielement LA-ICP-MS method is a significant advancement for paleoclimate research.
- This technique enables more robust and detailed analysis of glacier ice records.
- It enhances our ability to investigate the rate and timing of abrupt climate transitions and past atmospheric pollution.
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