Description of Research

To better constrain the role of atmospheric dust in climate dynamics, I am analyzing the new WAIS Divide (West Antarctica) deep ice core for trace element chemistry and microparticle size, concentration and mineralogy.  I am working to answer questions about the temporal variability and seasonality of dust and Fe deposition, dust source for West Antarctica, and the importance of aerosol Fe in moderating atmospheric CO₂.  To address these questions, I am analyzing both the deep ice core and a number of snowpits, which allow me to perform analyses that require greater amounts of particulate material.  I use ICP-SFMS to analyze trace elements, and two types of particle counters (laser light-scattering and Coulter-Counter type) to measure particles.  I am also collaborating with other scientists to use PIXE and TIMS to identify dust source geochemically and isotopically.

How do ice cores help us understand climate history?