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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 2005-06: VUWAE 50

High resolution snow pit sampling at VLG and EPG

High resolution snow pit sampling at VLG and EPG

At EPG and VLG I, 1m deep snow sequences were sampled with 1cm resolution for analysis on snow chemistry (Na, Ca, K, Mg, Cl, NO3, SO4, MS, Al, Fe, Si, Sr, Tr, Zn), isotopic composition page 6 (δ180 and δD), dust content and mineralogy. The snow sampling surface was cleaned with a pre-cleaned plastic spade, and subsequently with a sterile scalpel, at least 20cm horizontally into the snow to prevent sampling of contaminated snow. All tools, sampling equipment, and bottles were rinsed and soaked with ultra pure 18MΩ Millipore® water and dried in a class 100 clean room facility prior to fieldwork. A scalpel was used to collect 1cm thick samples. Sample were collected into sterile Nasco whirl-paks®. Tyvek® clean suits and dust free polyethylene gloves prevent sample contamination from personnel.

Fig. 5: a) 1m deep snow pit at Evans Piedmont Glacier, b) stratigraphy of the snow pit, c) snow crystal growth during marine airmass intrusion.

Fig. 5: a) 1m deep snow pit at Evans Piedmont Glacier, b) stratigraphy of the snow pit, c) snow crystal growth during marine airmass intrusion.