Laserablation ICP-MS in climate research

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a useful method to analyse samples in their natural state. To abide this structure samples are cooled down to -50°C (1) during investigations and are directly analysed without any further sample preparation.Advantages of the used method as- high spatial resolution- small samples uptake- less contamination due to- less samples preparationare well known.Spot size, sample uptake investigations and sample preparation will be shown on the poster.Samples analysed in our laboratory are for example ice cores from Polar Regions or sediment cores. In both cores annual or even seasonal variations of enclosed elements / compounds which are / were transported to the sampling location are saved. Some of these enclosed elements serve as climate proxies and contribute to understand past, present and future climate.References1. Reinhardt H., Kriews M., 2002, CryoLAC (Cryogenic Laser Ablation Chamber), DE 302 42 231