Methanesulphonic acid loss during ice-core storage: Recommendations based on a new diffusion coefficient

Abstract

The loss of methanesulphonic acid (MSA) from stored ice cores can be significant over typical storage times, with diffusion to the ice-core surface controlling the loss. Methods for minimizing this loss are discussed and it is shown how measurements can be corrected by calculating the amount of MSA lost. A revised diffusion coefficient for MSA in solid ice, (4.1×10 -13)±(2.5×10-14) m2s-1, is derived to improve such MSA loss corrections.