Measurements of atmospheric aerosols from air and snow samples and meteorological measurements taken from a remote site on the Ross Ice Shelf

A range of air and snow samples were collected throughout the study period. Aerosol particulates were collected on membrane filters and analysed using atomic absorption spectrometry, ion chromatography and scanning electron microscopy to establish the bulk chemical composition (rock dust, sea salt, sulphate, nitrate, etc) of the aerosol and the physical characteristics of individual particles.

The chemical composition was compared with that of fresh snow samples collected immediately after significant snowfalls to understand processes by which aerosol particulates are trapped at the snow surface. Two firn cores down to 4m depth were analysed for major chemical impurities to establish whether a seasonal cycle exists in the impurity content in the air. Ultratrace levels of mercury and toxic organic compounds (such as dioxins and pesticide residues) were investigated.