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Formate and acetate records in the Muztagata ice core, Northwest Tibetan Plateau

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Chinese Science Bulletin

Abstract

Formate and acetate concentrations are measured in a 22.56 m-depth ice core recovered in Mt. Muztagata Glacier, northwest Tibetan Plateau. The mean concentrations for formate and acetate in this ice core are 186.6±160.1 and 136.4±133.9 ng/g, respectively. Study shows that there is a positive correlation between formate and nitrate, suggesting both continental origins. However, no significant relationship has been found between formate and acetate, though they both have obvious periodical variations. Because Mt. Muztagata lies in the mid-latitude and is correlative to the nearby human activities, formate and acetate concentrations are higher than those in Greenland and Antarctica. During recent decades, the increase of formate concentration in the Muztagata ice core and formaldehyde production shows a close correlation. We preliminarily presume that the high formate concentration in the Muztagata ice core is concerned with the thriving of house decoration in which excess formaldehyde was used.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Ice Core and Cold Regions Environment, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 730000, Lanzhou, China

    Junxia Wang, Tandong Yao, Baiqing Xu, Guangjian Wu & Shurong Xiang

  2. Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100085, Beijing, China

    Tandong Yao, Baiqing Xu & Guangjian Wu

Authors
  1. Junxia Wang
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  2. Tandong Yao
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  3. Baiqing Xu
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  4. Guangjian Wu
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  5. Shurong Xiang
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Correspondence to Junxia Wang.

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Wang, J., Yao, T., Xu, B. et al. Formate and acetate records in the Muztagata ice core, Northwest Tibetan Plateau. Chin.Sci.Bull. 49, 1620–1624 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03184132

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03184132

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