Snow chemistry measurements on James Ross Island (Antarctic Peninsula) showing sea-salt aerosol modifications

The fractionation of atmospheric sea-salt has been investigated by glaciochemical analysis of the sea-salt deposited on the snow covering the small ice cap of James Ross Island, Antarctic Peninsula, at an elevation of 1640 m. The data show that, generally, but not always, the sea-salt deposited at this location most likely originates directly from seawater, as is the case at lower latitudes. It is found that the original chemical composition of the sea-salt aerosol is significantly modified, in particular by the reaction of sea-salt particles in the atmosphere with acid species. A ternary diagram (sodium, chloride, sulfate) is used to enlighten the involved modification processes. The study points out the frequent formation of HCl in the regional atmosphere. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.