Chemical composition of snow, ice, and glaciers

Abstract

The chemical composition of snow, ice, and glaciers is an important area of continuing research. It is important to better understand the potential effects of chemical transfer upon snowmelt, as the release of nutrients and contaminants to surrounding terrestrial and aquatic areas could play an important role in ecosystem health. Additionally, the presence of various inorganic and organic species (both soluble and insoluble) as well as trapped gases in glacial and polar ice cores can serve as an important record of past atmospheric and climatic histories. Advanced analytical techniques are continually being developed to better characterize the oftentimes low concentrations of a variety of species at higher resolution than previously available. As these techniques develop, better glaciochemical records will become available, allowing for a better understanding of past climate and potentially help us better understand the potential impacts of future climate change scenarios.