Chemical Composition of Rainwater in the Antarctic Peninsula

摘要

Rain water and fresh snow samples were collected at King George Island (Com. Ferraz Station), Northern Antarctic Peninsula, during the 1985 summer. Na(+), Ca(++), K(+), Mg(++), Cl(-), SO4(--), and NO3(-) were analyzed in these samples. Ionic concentrations varied from hundreds to a few tenths of ppms. The results showed marine influence in the concentration of elements and compounds, and also in the ionic ratios determined. This influence was expected since the sampling station was located near the coast and close to sea level. The composition of rain water reflected marine composition for all elements, Ca(++) and K(+) included, the only exception being NO3(-) which showed distinct results, as noted in other papers related to Antarctic snow sampling. An excess of about 20% in SO4(--)concentration was also found in the samples.