Lead isotopic compositions and concentrations measured in Antarctic ice cores from Law Dome. The record covers approximately 400 years, extending from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century, with data on 'natural' background and anthropogenic pollution events. The dataset was produced by the Australian Antarctic Data Centre (AU_AADC) and last updated in 2001.
Use Cases
- Identify anthropogenic pollution onset by detecting changes in 206Pb/207Pb ratios and Pb concentration spikes post-1884.
- Attribute pollution sources by correlating isotopic ratios like 206Pb/207Pb ~1.12 with specific mining regions such as Broken Hill, Australia.
- Reconstruct historical atmospheric Ba levels by analyzing Ba concentration time-series data against a 'natural' baseline of ~1.3 pg/g.
- Calibrate low-concentration measurement techniques by studying documented procedural blanks, such as the ~5.2pg added during sample decontamination.
Strengths
- Covers a 400-year temporal record of atmospheric lead deposition.
- Includes specific isotopic ratio measurements (e.g., 206Pb/207Pb, 208Pb/207Pb) and elemental concentrations (Pb, Ba).
- Documents detailed methodological blanks and corrections, such as a ~13fg/g concentration increase from decontamination.
Limitations
- Dataset last updated in 2001, representing a 20+ year old snapshot.
- Sample size and row count are unspecified in the provided metadata.
- Geographic coverage is limited to a single site at Law Dome, Antarctica.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Antarctic Data Centre (AU_AADC) via NASA EarthData.
- Collection Method
- Chemical analysis of ice cores, with techniques for sub-picogram per gram Pb isotopic measurements and blank correction procedures documented.
- Time Range
- Approximately 400 years, with specific events noted between 1884-1908 AD and 1960-1980 AD.
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Law Dome, East Antarctica.