Major, minor and trace element distributions in surface water in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica

Abstract During Italian Antarctic Expeditions geochemical research has been carried out, mainly on the distribution and circulation of major, minor and trace elements in meltwaters, streams and lakes from the Terra Nova Bay area (Ross Sea). The main water components are of marine origin derived from sea spray, as shown by the ratios between the major cations and anions compared with sea water; the salinity values point instead to a concentration in the dissolved salts due to evaporation and sublimation. In general, water-rock interaction is limited, but in some cases the high ratios between Ca/Cl, Li/Cl etc. compared with sea water, prove rock leaching. Generally speaking, trace element levels do not exhibit anomalous values. The highest Ni and Mo contents are found to be connected with outcrops of metamorphic and granitic formations, respectively.