Geochemical characteristics of meltwater and pondwater on Barton and Weaver Peninsulas of King George Island, West Antarctica

Abstract

In Antarctica, the geochemical properties of meltwater and pondwater are very sensitive to global warming. Therefore, understanding the geochemical properties of the meltwater and pondwater is crucial to evaluating global climate change. This study was performed to examine the chemical and isotopic compositions of the meltwater and pondwater at the Barton and Weaver Peninsulas of King George Island, Antarctica, to understand their spatial variation and to evaluate factors controlling the surface water chemistry. The meltwater, pondwater and seawater were sampled at 50 sites of the Barton and Weaver Peninsulas during the period from 23 December 2010 to 5 January 2011. The chemical compositions of the meltwater and pondwater were mainly influenced by sea salt. Additionally, the influence of water-rock interaction was observed in some meltwater and pondwater. The LREE/HREE ratios of some of the pondwater in the Barton Peninsula showed a decreasing trend by influence of water-rock interaction. The influences of sea salt and water-rock interaction were more dominant at the Barton Peninsula than the Weaver Peninsula. The δ 18 O and δD of the meltwater and pondwater showed a wide range. Little evaporation losses were observed at the Barton Peninsula but evaporation losses did not occurred at the Weaver Peninsula.

Effects of Low pH and Low Salinity Induced by Meltwater Inflow on the Behavior and Physical Condition of the Antarctic Limpet, Nacella concinna

“…Not only seasonal, but also fluctuating variation in water properties, which is prominent in the intertidal zone, has affected N. concinna for a long time [37]. Especially the meltwater which inflows to Marian Cove is acidic, because the King George Island is volcanic Island [15]. Therefore, the meltwater in Marian Cove has a low pH level in summer season.…”

“…Freshwater streams and ponds are also developed from the surrounding snow field in summer, and a substantial amount of fresh water is introduced into the cove. The meltwater stream and pond water of Baton Peninsula and Weaver Peninsula, between which Marian Cove is located, has relatively lower pH ranges (meltwater: <4.38, pond water: <5.00), because King George Island is a volcanic island [15]. As a result, the surface water in Marian Cove has a distinct salinity gradient along the distance from the glacier during the austral summer months [16].…”

Two species of Lumbricillus (Enchytraeidae, Annelida) new to Antarctica

“…South-western maritime areas of the Barton Peninsula are ice-free during the summer season. Melt and pond waters, which are habitats for aquatic organisms, are concentrated in the coastal area (Lim et al 2014).…”

Lithium Isotope Geochemistry in the Barton Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica

“…Detailed descriptions of the study area are given in previous studies (e.g., Lee et al, 2004;Lim et al, 2014;Choi et al, 2022). In short, its surface area is approximately 1,310 km 2 and its 92% is covered with glaciers with a maximum thickness of 395 m. The snow cover depth ranges from 2 to 73 cm, and mainly melts in summer (November-March; Jiahong et al, 1998).…”

“…The Barton Peninsula of King George Island, which is the focus of this study, is located in the marginal area of West Antarctica, where climate is warmer and more humid than in other parts of Antarctica (e.g., Campbell and Claridge, 1987), and will be much more sensitive to increasing global surface temperatures. Although previous studies have suggested little chemical weathering occurs in the Barton Peninsula (Lee et al, 2004;Santos et al, 2007), recent studies have indicated that chemical weathering may affect to some extent the water chemistry and soil formation (Lim et al, 2014;Lopes et al, 2019;Lopes et al, 2021).…”