Isotope measurements on firn and ice cores from alpine glaciers

Schotterer, U.; Finkel, R.; Oeschger, H.; Siegenthaler, U.; Wahlen, M.; Bart, G.; Gäggeler, H.; von Gunten, H. (1977). Isotope measurements on firn and ice cores from alpine glaciers. In: Isotopes and impurities in snow and ice. Proceedings of the Grenoble symposium. IAHS Red Book Series: Vol. 118 (pp. 232-236). International Association of Hydrological Sciences

Text 4750.232-236-118-Schotterer.pdf - Published Version Restricted to registered users only Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (12MB) | Request a copy

An investigation was made of the extent to which stable and radioactive isotopes (3H, 18O, 210Pb, 137Cs and 90Sr) can be used to determine accumulation rates and ages of temperate glaciers in the Alps. The 3H and 18O data obtained from Jungfraujoch Glacier cores (3470 m a.s.l.) indicate that the seasonal variations, as they are observed in precipitation, collected at the time of fall, are not preserved. In addition, unexpectedly strong horizontal variations in isotopic concentrations have been found. Based on bomb-produced radio-isotope layers, an average accumulation rate of 60 cm water equivalent has been determined. In ice cores from the Plaine Morte Glacier (2750 m a.s.l.), too, no seasonal variations could be found. Average accumulation rates between 5 and 15 cm water equivalent have been determined for the period 1963-1972. In one core the pre-bomb tritium level was reached. The horizontal and vertical distribution of 210Pb and 137Cs is strongly influenced by dirt layers. This has to be taken into account when these isotopes are used for dating firn and ice from alpine glaciers.

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