On the Concentrations of O-2, N-2, and Ar in Trapped Gases from Ice Cores

Publication Status is "Submitted" Or "In Press: 
LDEO Publication: 
Publication Type: 
Year of Publication: 
1995
Editor: 
Journal Title: 
Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres
Journal Date: 
Sep 20
Place Published: 
Tertiary Title: 
Volume: 
100
Issue: 
D9
Pages: 
18651-18660
Section / Start page: 
Publisher: 
ISBN Number: 
0148-0227
ISSN Number: 
Edition: 
Short Title: 
Accession Number: 
ISI:A1995RV88700003
LDEO Publication Number: 
Call Number: 
Abstract: 

We present data on the relative concentration and isotopic composition of O-2, N-2, and Ar in gases trapped in bubbles of polar ice. O-2/N-2 and Ar/N-2 ratios are generally lower than the atmospheric values, with O-2 depletions greater than those of Ar. In samples whose O-2/Ar/N-2 ratios are highly anomalous with respect tb modern air, delta(18)O of O-2 may be enriched by 0.1-0.2 parts per thousand. There is no indication that delta(15)N of N-2 is enriched by gas loss processes in any of the samples we have studied. Out data suggest that anomalies in the composition of air in bubbles with respect to the modern atmosphere are due to gas loss from ice during and after coring by a process which fractionates elements according to their molecular diameter (Craig et al., 1988) rather than according to their diffusivity.

Notes: 

Rv887Times Cited:21Cited References Count:32

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