The new frontier of microstructural impurity research in polar ice

• Published in: Annals of glaciology Vol. 64; no. 91; pp. 63 - 66
• Main Authors: Stoll, Nicolas, Bohleber, Pascal, Dallmayr, Remi, Wilhelms, Frank, Barbante, Carlo, Weikusat, Ilka
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01-07-2023
• Subjects: Deformation; Dust; Firn; Glacier ice; Grain boundaries; Grain growth; Ice; ice chemistry; ice chronology/dating; ice core; Ice cores; ice crystal studies; Impurities; Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Investigations; Laser ablation; Letter; Localization; Mass spectrometry; Mass spectroscopy; Mineralogy; Minerals; Polar firn; Polar research; Quartz; Raman spectroscopy; Spectroscopy; ice chemistry; ice chronology/dating; ice core; ice crystal studies; Polar firn
• ISSN: 0260-3055; 1727-5644
• DOI: 10.1017/aog.2023.61

Deciphering the localisation of solid and dissolved impurities on the micron-scale in glacial ice remains a challenge, but is critical to understand the integrity of ice core records and internal deformation. Here we report on the state-of-the-art in microstructural impurity research by highlighting recent progress in bringing together cryo-Raman spectroscopy and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). We show the potential of both methods and discuss possibilities to improve inter-method approaches aiming for a more holistic understanding of the evolution of impurity localisation throughout the ice column, including post-depositional processes. In this framework, we elaborate on future research priorities such as LA-ICP-MS imaging on firn samples and integrating a large cryo-cell with imaging capabilities.