Hydrochemical characteristics of four retreating glacier forefields off the coast of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Maritime Antarctica): diverse sources of metals and metalloids
Data and Resources
Additional Info
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| Abstract | This study examines the impact of geological, marine and anthropogenic sources on metal and metalloid concentrations in the forefields of four glaciers (Ecology, Sphinx, Tower, and Windy) on King George Island, Antarctica. Water samples were collected at the beginning and end of the hydrological season (austral summer, December 2021–February 2022), while snow samples were taken from remaining snow cover at the start of the season. The study area, underlain by the Llano Point and Zamek Formations—comprised mainly of basalt and andesite—reveals significant geological contributions of elements such as Fe, Al, and Mg due to active weathering processes amplified by glacial retreat. The research highlights how climate change-induced temperature and precipitation increases accelerate sediment erosion and weathering, mobilizing metals and metalloids from glaciers and snowmelt. Significant concentrations of Cr, V, and Ba in collected samples align with the local geological substratum. Statistical analyses (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA) identified notable differences in Mo and Ba levels between glacier forefields, consistent with geological influences. Seasonal variations were also observed, particularly for Mg and K ions, indicating that meltwater dynamics influence element mobilization throughout the season. Furthermore, Tower Glacier's eastward exposure explains the higher concentrations of Zn and Cd, suggesting atmospheric deposition as a contributing factor. This study underscores the complex interactions between geological, climatic, and atmospheric processes, illustrating how geogenic sources and cryosphere degradation influence the chemical landscape of Antarctic glacier forefields. |
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| Publication type | Journal article |
| Publication authors (CENAGIS users) |
Justyna Dudek
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| Other authors | Joanna Potapowicz, Krystyna Kozioł, Joanna Plenzler, Robert Józef Bialik, Marcin Frankowski, Anetta Zioła-Frankowska, Sara Lehmann-Konera, Żaneta Polkowska |
| Publication language | angielski |
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| Releated datasets |
Warszawa Icefield glacier outline 2020-2021
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| Author email | |
| Name of metadata editor | Paweł Kowalski [wyszukaj w katalogu] |
| Email metadata editor | pawel.kowalski@pw.edu.pl |
| Date of metadata edit | 2025-06-11 |
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