SPRINGTIME PEAKS OF TRACE-METALS IN ANTARCTIC SNOW

Drifting snow samples were collected at Asuka Station (71 degrees 32'S , 24 degrees 08'E, 930 m above sea level) over a period from July to D ecember 1991; 36 elements (including Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Al, Li, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Se, Rb, Sr, Cd, Pb, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu , Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Th) in snow were analyzed by ind uctively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) by direct sample in troduction. Concentrations of Cl-, NO3-, and SO42- in the snow were al so determined by ion chromatography. In late September to early Octobe r, there was a pronounced peak concentration of most of the elements t ogether with non-sea salt sulfate. Enrichment factor analyses suggest that Na, Mg, Ca, K, and Sr are of marine origin and Al, Fe, Mn, Rb, Cr , Ni, Ga, V, and all the rare earth elements are of crustal origins. V olcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo (June 1991) and Mt. Hudson (August 19 91) could be the reason for the precipitation of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, and S e together with non-sea sat sulfates in the austral Spring at Asuka St ation.