Chemical element concentration of aerosol in the Dry Valleys area, South Victoria Land, Antarctica

Abstract

Atmospheric aerosols were collected at Vanda Station and the Lower Wright Hut in the Dry Valleys area, South Victoria Land, Antarctica, on a 110mm diameter Whatman No. 41 filter paper using a high volume air sampler with a handy type generator. Air sampling volumes ranged from 40-150m^3. Concentrations of chemical elements were determined with a neutron activation method. Atmospheric mineral dust flux is estimated at 16μg・(cm)^・a^ based on Al concentration of aerosol. This atmospheric flux to the Dry Valleys area is comparable to the downward flux of aluminosilicate materials in the water column of the North Pacific Ocean as measured by sediment traps.