Recent increase in Ba concentrations as recorded in a South Pole ice core

Abstract Here we present high-resolution (∼9.4 samples/year) records of Ba concentrations for the period from 1541 to 1999 A.D. obtained from an ice core recovered at the South Pole (US ITASE-02-6) site. We note a significant increase in Ba concentration (by a factor of ∼23) since 1980 A.D. The Ba crustal enrichment factor (EFc) values rise from ∼3 before 1980 A.D. to ∼32 after 1980 A.D. None of the other measured major and trace elements reveal such significant increases in concentrations and EFc values. Comparison with previously reported Antarctic Ba records suggests that significant increases in Ba concentrations at South Pole since 1980 A.D. are most likely caused by local source pollution. The core was collected in close proximity to Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station; therefore activities at the station, such as diesel fuel burning and intense aircraft activity, most likely caused the observed increase in Ba concentrations and its EFc values in the South Pole ice core record.