Acidity of Polar Ice Cores in Relation to Absolute Dating, Past Volcanism, and Radio–Echoes

TLDR

Conductivity in ice cores arises from the initial current generated during space‑charge build‑up. The study introduces a simple method to detect annual ice‑core stratification and high‑acidity layers associated with past volcanic eruptions. The method measures the relationship between pH of melted ice samples and the electrical current between brass electrodes moved along the cleaned core surface. Acidity and current profiles align with layers from historically documented eruptions (Katmai, Tambora, Laki, Hekla, Thera, 1400 BC) and suggest that high‑acidity layers cause internal radio‑echo layers in polar ice sheets.

Abstract

Abstract A simple method is described for detecting annual stratification of ice cores, and layers of high acidity due to violent volcanic eruptions in the past. The method is based on a relationship between the H 3 O + concentration (pH) of melted samples and the electrical current between two brass electrodes moved along the cleaned ice-core surface. The “conductivity” is explained in terms of the initial current in the build-up of space charges. Acidity and current profiles are shown through layers deposited soon after historically well-known volcanic eruptions, such as Katmai, a.d. 1912, Tambora, a.d. 1815, Laki, a.d. 1783, Hekla, a.d. 1104, and Thera (Santorin) c . 1400 b.c. High-acidity layers seem to be the cause for the internal radio-echo layers in polar ice sheets.