Abstract. Emission rates of SO2, HC1, and HF from the active volcano Mount Erebus,Antarctica, increased between 1986 and 1991; SO2 from 7.7 to 25.9 Gg yr -•, HC1 from 6.9 to 13.3 Gg yr -• and HF from 4.0 to 6.0 Gg yr -•. The emission rates of halogens from Mount Erebus are high relative to SO2 emissions and are accompanied by relatively high emissions of trace gases and aerosols (Na, K, As, Zn, In, As, Se, and Au). Many elements (S, C1, and metals) found in the Erebus plume are common impurities in Antarctic snow. Using a model which assumes a homogeneous distribution of the volcanic gas plume over Antarctica, we suggest that Erebus could be a source of the impurities. We calculate that Erebus could potentially contribute between 4 and 14 ng g-• snow of C1 at the south pole, and between 11 and 36 ng g-• snow of C1 at Dome C. Excess C1 (C1 in excess of that derived from marine NaC1 aerosols) recorded in snow and fun cores from south pole and Dome C cotfid be mainly derived from Erebus. Similarly, our predicted concentrations of Erebus-derived Cu, Zn, Cd, V, As, and Au in Antarctic snow are close to those reported. Trace element and Pb isotope compositions of Erebus aerosols are similar to those collected in remote regions of Antarctica. The volcanic gas plume emitted from Erebus appears to make a significant contribution to the Antarctic atmosphere and can be detected in the snow deposited over a wide area of the continent.
The discharge rates of halogens in aerosols and gases emitted from Mount Erebus between December 1986 and January 1991 were estimated by combining element‐to‐sulfur ratios on filter samples with SO2 output measured by COSPEC. The halogen and sulfur content of the gas vary in a quasi‐cyclical pattern possibly because of a heterogeneous distribution of volatiles in the Erebus magmatic system. The emission rates of HF and HCl have increased twofold since 1986 reaching 6 and 13.3 Gg yr−1, respectively, in 1991, making Erebus an important contributor of halogens to the Antarctic atmosphere.
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