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SGER - µ-Raman Analysis of Ice-Core Samples

Entry ID: barletta_0828786

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Summary

Abstract: Analysis of material preserved in glaciers and ice-sheets can provide a window into the climatological and environmental history of our planet. Current analytical methodology involves sectioning of core samples followed by destructive analysis, precluding simultaneous analysis of the same ice sample for microbial, and chemical content. Sample sizes required for each of these analyses limit the ... spatial and, hence, chronological resolution that can be obtained within a core sample. Analytical methods that provide information on a number of parameters on a micro-scale through either field-portable or in situ instrumentation have the potential of providing rapid screening of ice cores for guiding field sampling and development of near real-time information, as well as providing information on micro-environments within the core itself. As a non-destructive analytical tool with high spatial resolution, µ-Raman spectroscopy can provide information at high sensitivity to make its use as a non-destructive survey tool for ice core samples attractive. This is particularly the case with micro-sampling since chemicals, which are at trace levels when bulk analysis is performed, are often segregated (and concentrated) within the core at the microscopic level. Laser-based techniques such as Raman can be used to obtain chemical information at near diffraction-limited resolution allowing particulates on the order of 1 μm to be characterized. This work involved the assembly of μ-Raman equipment capable of excitation using either visible or UV excitation, development of a library of Raman spectra, development of techniques for the quantitative analysis of anionic species, and analysis of surrogate and glacial ice core samples. Proof-of-concept experiments evaluate the potential of micro-Raman analysis to: (1) tephra particles from Mount Waesche and Mount DeWitt were analyzed with spatial resolution &amp;amp;amp;lt;5 μm at room temperature and -15°C, and (2) characterize the micro-environment of liquid veins in glacial core samples from the following locations: GISP 2, Newall Glacier, and Dominion Range at -15°C. For tephra samples, it was found that analysis of vitreous components resulted in identifiers unique to the source of the glass. With respect to ice vein analysis, concentration of nitrate ans sulfate some five orders of magnitude over the bulk concentration were noted. MSA was not found in any of the veins in measurable quantity, leading to the speculation that it is present in the core mainly as a particulate. Based on the sulfate ion concentrations measured in glacial veins, extremely acidic pH values of ~1 can be inferred, providing a measure of one of the factors controlling the ice-vein µ-habitat chemistry.

Purpose: This project is a novel extension of Raman into the area of polar and climatic research, providing data on chemical speciation hitherto unavailable of critical importance to the understanding of the biology present in glacial ice as well as the sources of particulate material found in ice cores. Since the availability of ice-core material at critical horizons is limited, this non-destructive technique helps to maximize the information obtained from these samples. The application of µ-Raman spectroscopy to the analytical problems of trace environmental analysis at this level of spatial resolution is unique, and demonstrates the feasibility an integrated approach to ice core analysis, while addressing specific problems in glaciology.

Related URL

Link: VIEW RELATED INFORMATION

Description: NSF Award #0828786 Abstract

Geographic Coverage

(Click for Interactive Map)

Spatial coordinates

N: -77.62

S: -77.62

E: -162.5

W: -162.5

N: -85.25

S: -85.25

E: -166.17

W: -166.17

N: -77.12

S: -77.12

E: -159.51

W: -159.51

N: -76.05

S: -76.05

E: 135.13

W: 135.13

N: 72.58

S: 72.58

E: 38.47

W: 38.47

Location Keywords

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA

GEOGRAPHIC REGION > POLAR

Science Keywords

CRYOSPHERE > SNOW/ICE

PALEOCLIMATE > ICE CORE RECORDS > IONS

ISO Topic Category

CLIMATOLOGY/METEOROLOGY/ATMOSPHERE

Platform

LABORATORY

FIELD INVESTIGATION

Instrument

Spectrometers/Radiometers

Ancillary Keywords

Antarctic

ice core

Data Set Progress

COMPLETE

Originating Center

University of South Alabama, Department of Chemistry

Data Center

National Snow and Ice Data Center

Data Center URL: http://nsidc.org

Data Center Personnel
Name: NSIDC USER SERVICES Phone: +1 (303) 492-6199 Fax: +1 (303) 492-2468 Email: nsidc at nsidc.org Contact Address: National Snow and Ice Data Center CIRES, 449 UCB University of Colorado City: Boulder Province or State: CO Postal Code: 80309-0449 Country: USA

NSIDC Antarctic Glaciological Data Center

Data Center URL: http://nsidc.org/agdc/

Data Center Personnel
Name: NSIDC AGDC USER SERVICES Phone: +1 (303) 492-6199 Fax: +1 (303) 492-2468 Email: nsidc at nsidc.org Contact Address: National Snow and Ice Data Center CIRES, 449 UCB University of Colorado City: Boulder Province or State: CO Postal Code: 80309-0449 Country: USA

Personnel

ROBERT ERNEST BARLETTA

Role: INVESTIGATOR

Phone: 251-460-7424

Email: rbarletta at southalabama.edu

Contact Address:

Department of Chemistry

6040 USA Drive South

City: Mobile

Province or State: AL

Postal Code: 36688

Country: USA

NSIDC AGDC USER SERVICES

Role: TECHNICAL CONTACT

Phone: +1 (303) 492-6199

Fax: +1 (303) 492-2468

Email: nsidc at nsidc.org

Contact Address:

National Snow and Ice Data Center

CIRES, 449 UCB

University of Colorado

City: Boulder

Province or State: CO

Postal Code: 80309-0449

Country: USA

Publications/References

R. E. Barletta and C. H. Roe (2011), Differential Raman cross section of dimethyl sulfide, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 42, 117-121, Wiley, doi:10.1002/jrs.2749

Creation and Review Dates

DIF Creation Date: 2011-09-06

Last DIF Revision Date: 2011-09-12

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