Aerosol Sources of Some Types of Glacier Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Recent analyses of ice and snow have shown that there are traces of hydrocarbons in many glaciers in the North Cascade mountains of Washington. (Scuderi, 1980). The organic compounds collect slowly throughout the year on topical snow, but they reach their maximal concentrations of about 200-500 ng liter-1 on late summer ablation surfaces. In fresh winter snow, however, their concentrations fall well below 100 ng liter-1. Snowfields adjacent to vegetated areas are often abnormally rich in hydrocarbons, typically 3-5 mg liter-1, probably as as a result of the accumulation of plant vapors and debris. Films that collect on the surfaces during the summer are buried by winter snows and become permanent stratigraphic features in the glaciers.