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Continuous Characterization of Insoluble Particles in Ice Cores Using the Single-Particle Extinction and Scattering
Chantal Zeppenfeld1, Tobias Erhardt1,2, Camilla Marie Jensen1
1Climate and Environmental Physics, Physics Institute, and Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Sidlerstrasse 5, Bern 3012, Switzerland.
Environmental Science & Technology
|December 28, 2024
Summary
This study integrates single-particle extinction and scattering (SPES) into continuous flow analysis (CFA) for high-resolution ice core particle characterization. The method detects smaller particles and provides size, concentration, and refractive index, correlating well with existing dust measurement techniques.
Area of Science:
- Paleoclimatology
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Ice cores are crucial archives for reconstructing past climate and atmospheric conditions.
- Traditional continuous flow analysis (CFA) methods have limitations in detecting and characterizing sub-micrometer particles.
- Accurate characterization of ice core particles is essential for understanding past atmospheric pollution and climate dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate the single-particle extinction and scattering (SPES) method into a continuous flow analysis (CFA) setup.
- To enable high-resolution, low-contamination characterization of water-insoluble particles in ice cores.
- To extend particle detection capabilities to sizes below 1 μm.
Main Methods:
- Integration of single-particle extinction and scattering (SPES) instrumentation within a continuous flow analysis (CFA) system.
- Continuous measurement and characterization of ice core samples.
- Detection and analysis of particle concentration, size distribution, and effective refractive index.
Main Results:
- Successful integration of SPES into CFA for continuous ice core analysis.
- Detection of non-absorbing mineral particles and absorbing particles (from wildfires and fossil fuels) in Greenland ice cores.
- SPES concentration records show strong correlation with established dust measurement methods.
- Median particle diameters were determined for different dust concentration periods.
Conclusions:
- The SPES-CFA method offers a powerful tool for high-resolution ice core analysis, including sub-micrometer particles.
- This technique enhances our ability to study past atmospheric composition and sources of particulate matter.
- The findings contribute to a more detailed understanding of paleoclimatic events and anthropogenic influences recorded in ice cores.
