Particle size account in electron probe X-ray microanalysis of solid sediments in snow cover

A procedure for particle size account in electron probe X-ray microanalysis of solid sediments (fine fractions, 1-5 mu m) in snow cover is proposed. T he correction factors and the concentrations of test elements are determine d within a modified biexponential model of the distribution of characterist ic X-ray radiation over the depth of a sample with joint corrections fur ab sorption and atomic number. The validity of the correction for particle siz e is evaluated by comparing the experimental data on the fine fractions and coarse grains of minerals with known compositions; The described procedure for particle size account makes it possible to substantially decrease the error of elemental analysis in electron probe X-ray microanalysis for sampl es with particles 1-3-mu m in size.