Glaciochemical investigation of an ice core from Belukha glacier, Siberian Altai

Abstract

During summer 2001, a 140 m long ice core was recovered from the Belukha glacier (49°48′26″N, 86°34′43″E, 4062 m a.s.l.) in the Siberian Altai. The englacial temperature of −17°C indicates that this unique glaciochemical record is well preserved and suitable for the reconstruction of air pollution levels in this previously unexplored region. The upper 86 m were dated by 210 Pb and cover the period 1862–2001. A lack of strong winter minima was observed in the δ 18 O record and attributed to the small amount of precipitation during that season and to wind erosion. The ion concentrations are comparable to those observed in Swiss glaciers, except for ammonium and formate, where enhanced concentrations indicate biogenic emissions from Siberian forests. Sulfate, ammonium and nitrate records all show anthropogenic impacts despite the remoteness of this site.