Publication Date:
2013-05-06
Description:
Detailed volcanic record of the last 900 yr (1093–2010 AD) has been received using high resolution (2–3 samples per accumulation year) sulfate measurements in four snow/firn cores from the Vostok station area, East Antarctica. Totally, 33 volcanic events have been identified in the record, including well-known low latitude eruption signals found in many polar ice cores (e.g., Pinatubo 1991, Agung 1963, Krakatoa 1883, Tambora 1815, Huanaputina 1600, Kuwae 1452), however in comparison with other Antarctic sites the record has more events covering the last 900 yr. The strongest volcanic signals occurred during mid-13th, mid-15th and 18th centuries. The largest volcanic signal of Vostok (both in sulfate concentration and flux) is the 1452 AD Kuwae eruption. Average snow accumulation rate calculated for the period 1093–2010 AD is 21.3 ± 2.3 mm H2O. Accumulation record demonstrates a slight positive trend, however sharply increased accumulation rate during the periods from 1600 to 1815 AD (by 11% from long-term mean) and from 1963 to 2010 AD (by 15%) are typical features of the site. Na+ record shows strong decadal-scale variability probably connected with coupled changes in atmospheric transport patterns over Antarctica (meridional circulation change) and local glaciology. The obtained high resolution climatic records suggest a high sensitivity of the Vostok location to environmental changes in Southern Hemisphere.
Print ISSN:
1994-0432
Electronic ISSN:
1994-0440
Topics:
Geography
,
Geosciences
