Historical CO2 Record from Siple Station Ice Core, 1834-1984

A 200-meter ice core drilled at Siple Station in West Antarctica during the 1983-84 summer provides ancient atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The core was dated with an accuracy of approximately ±2 years to a depth of 144 meters, corresponding to the year 1834, by counting seasonal variations in electrical conductivity. The data was produced by researchers from the University of Bern and the Polar Ice Coring Office, with analytical details published in papers from 1984-1986.

Use Cases

• Modeling historical atmospheric CO2 trends based on the ice core record.
• Calibrating climate models using the high-resolution dating (±2 years) mentioned in the description.
• Studying pre-industrial carbon cycles using data derived from the dry-extraction and analysis methods described.

Strengths

• Data is derived from a physically preserved record (ice core) drilled at a specific Antarctic location.
• The dating method provides an accuracy of approximately ±2 years for the upper 144 meters of the core.
• The experimental procedures for gas extraction and analysis are documented in referenced peer-reviewed papers.

Limitations

• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data coverage below 144 meters depth (pre-1834) relies on extrapolation, as noted in the description.

Provenance

Source

University of Bern and Polar Ice Coring Office

Collection Method

Dry-extraction of gases from crushed ice bubbles, analyzed by infrared laser absorption spectroscopy or gas chromatography.

Time Range

Likely spans from approximately 1834 to 1984, based on the core depth and dating description.

Freshness

Last updated date is unknown.

Geography

Siple Station, West Antarctica