The atmospheric composition changes above the West Kunlun Mountain, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

Chongce ice core, drilled from West Kunlun Mountain, 6350 meters high, provides a unique opportunity to obtain the past atmospheric environmental information.In this paper, the composition and concentration of ions, ions sources in Chongce ice core were analyzed, and the ions variation during last century were reconstructed.Results show that (1) Calcium ion shows the greatest proportion of ions concentration.(2) The major ions are mainly originated from Taklimkan Desert through sandstorm transport and wet deposition process.(3) The major mineral dust ions Ca 2+ , SO 4 2-, Cl -, Na + and Mg 2+ show a decreased trend during the last century, in according with the decreased sandstorm frequency occurring in Taklimkan Desert.(4)The potassium ions show an increased trend during last century, especially after 1950, this related with the increased biomass burning.(5)The nitrite ions show a relatively stable variation during the last century, and there is a remarkable 11-17year period -, SO 4 2-, Cl -) and cations(Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , K + ，Na + ) will be discussed.