Abstract:
Sub-annually resolved ice core chemistry data from various sites on the Antarctic Ice Sheet were obtained from 1999 to 2008 during the US International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition (US ITASE) deployments. Researchers conducted experiments approximately every 100-300 km looking for clues representing climatic conditions over the past 200-1000+ years. Ice cores, obtained for the ... glaciochemical component of the US ITASE research, were analyzed for soluble major ion content and in some cases trace elements. At each site, a ~3-inch diameter ice core was drilled to depths as great as 120 m. Surface snow samples were collected every ~10-40 km. High-resolution chemical analysis (up to ~75 measurements per meter) was used to define each core-chemistry year based on peaks in Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, NH4+, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, CH3SO3- (methylsulfonate), and in some cases trace elements. Extreme events such as volcanic eruptions provide absolute age horizons within each core that are easily identified in chemical profiles. Our chemical analysis is also useful for quantifying anthropogenic impact, biogeochemical cycling, and for reconstructing past atmospheric circulation patterns.
Quality
Channel data are accurate to within approximately +/- 0.2 percent based on sensor noise level of 0.4 data number (DN). Temperatures are accurate to within approximately 2 degrees Kelvin. Relative albedos in adjacent grid cells are accurate to within approximately 5 percent. However, absolute albedo values are approximate. Accuracies for the products are difficult to determine, given the limited ... nature of existing case studies. Also, conditions vary substantially across the large product domains and over time. Plans are being developed to further define product accuracies for snow-covered areas, sea ice, and ice sheets. Based on studies to date, accuracies in general are approximately +/- 2 degrees Kelvin for AVHRR-derived skin temperatures and +/- 0.05 degrees for surface albedo. Much of this error is likely due to uncertainties in the performance of the cloud detection methods. For clear sky conditions, accuracies for albedo and temperature products are expected to be in the range noted in the Barrow test, with temperatures accurate to +/- 0.5 degrees Celsius. Data and related information will be updated as appropriate. Additional comparisons with in situ measurements of albedo and temperature are planned. See also Maslanik et al. (2000) for other accuracy discussions relative to SHEBA data.
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
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