Snow Chemistry from Xixabangma Peak, Tibet

Abstract

Despite their value in understanding the chemistry of the atmosphere, few snow-chemistry studies have been conducted in remote areas, particularly in Asia. Studies to date have been limited to Nepal and India (Ikegami and others, 1978; Mayewski and others, 1981 Mayewski and others, , 1983 Mayewski and others, , 1984;; To add to these studies, we present chemical analyses of samples collected at an elevation of 6300 m on Xixabangma glacier, a north-north-easterly flowing glacier that descends from Xixabangma Peak (8012 m a.s.!.; lat. 28 21 , N., long. 85 47' E.) in the Mount Everest area. A total of three fresh snowfalls were analyzed for chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and sodium .