Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Winter 2011
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Geological Sciences
Committee Chair
Susan Kaspari
Second Committee Member
Carey Gazis
Third Committee Member
Anne Johansen
Abstract
An ice core from Mt. Geladandong, Tibetan Plateau, spanning 1853-1983, and snow samples collected over two winters from the Cascade Mountains were analyzed for concentrations of black carbon (BC) using a Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2). From the ice core, the high-resolution BC record displayed substantial variability, a 2-fold increase in peak concentrations from 1853-1930 to 1930-1983, and a 1.6-fold increase in average concentrations from 1853-1975 to 1975-1983. Concentrations were also higher than at two areas closer to BC sources and analyzed by the same method. In the Pacific Northwest, BC concentrations varied seasonally and annually, with the highest concentrations in the first winter (2010) and spring of both years. Estimates for BC-induced reductions in albedo ranged from 0.1-5.5% for both sites, and may be high enough to impact on snow, ice, and water resources when analytical uncertainties, the timing of reductions, and the potential for feedback cycles are considered.
Recommended Citation
Jenkins, Matthew Glen, "Assessment of Black Carbon in Snow and Ice from the Tibetan Plateau and Pacific Northwest" (2011). All Master's Theses. 1456.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/1456
Included in
Atmospheric Sciences Commons, Climate Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Glaciology Commons