PALEOENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES OF BLACK CARBON DEPOSITION IN THE HIGH ARCTIC - A CASE-STUDY FROM NORTHERN ELLESMERE ISLAND

The application of paleolimnological techniques to studies of anthropo genic black carbon particles in Lower Dumbell Lake, Northern Ellesmere Island, Northwest Territories, Canada, reveals a stratigraphic record of particle deposition over time. Comparison of the anthropogenic bla ck carbon record with the paleoecological record of diatom assemblages in this lake indicates that the diatom flora developed within the per iod of anthropogenic black carbon particle deposition. This result sup ports an inference of very recent environmental change.