The Salt Content of Some Ice Samples From Nordaustlandet (North East Land), Svalbard

Abstract

Analyses for pH, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃ ⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻ and NO₃ ⁻ have been made on land ice samples from Nordaustlandet, Svalbard. Total ions range from less than 0.02 to 0.46 milli-equivalents per litre, with sea salt generally the dominant component although calcium and magnesium bicarbonates are relatively more abundant in a surface sample heavily contaminated by soil material from an adjacent moraine. These ions, as well as potassium and sulphate, are present in most samples in excess of possible sea-spray supply. From the surface of a crevasse to 14 m. depth down one side the concentrations of all ions except nitrate fluctuate in a similar manner. Some possible implications of the results are examined.