BET surface area distributions in polar stream sediments: Implications for silicate weathering in a cold-arid environment. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marra, Kristen R.; Elwood Madden, Megan E.; Soreghan, Gerilyn S.; Hall, Brenda L.
• Is Part Of: Applied geochemistry. Volume 52(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Environmental geochemistry -- Periodicals; Water chemistry -- Periodicals; Geochemistry -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Geochemistry -- Periodicals; 551.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2014.11.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-2927

Abstract

Highlights: BET surface areas are compared for fine-grained Antarctic glacial stream sediments. Variable and high-magnitude surface area values found in Antarctic polar streams. Eolian processes and ephemeral streamflow influence surface area patterns. Sediment surface areas from polar glaciers equal/exceed temperate glacier sediments. Abstract: BET surface area values are critical for quantifying the amount of potentially reactive sediments available for chemical weathering and ultimately, prediction of silicate weathering fluxes. BET surface area values of fine-grained (<62.5 μm) sediment from the hyporheic zone of polar glacial streams in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica (Wright and Taylor Valleys) exhibit a wide range (2.5–70.6 m 2 /g) of surface area values. Samples from one (Delta Stream, Taylor Valley) of the four sampled stream transects exhibit high values (up to 70.6 m 2 /g), which greatly exceed surface area values from three temperate proglacial streams (0.3–12.1 m 2 /g). Only Clark stream in Wright Valley exhibits a robust trend with distance, wherein surface area systematically decreases (and particle size increases) in the mud fraction downstream, interpreted to reflect rapid dissolution processes in the weathering environment. The remaining transects exhibit a range in variability in surface area distributions along the length of the channel, likely related to variations in eolian input to exposed channel beds, adjacent snow drifts, and to glacier surfaces, where dust is trapped and subsequently liberated during summer melting. Additionally, variations in stream discharge rate, which mobilizes sediment in pulses and influences water:rock ratios, the origin and nature of the underlying drift material, and the contribution of organic acids may play significant roles in the production and mobilization of high-surface area sediment. This study highlights the presence of sediments with high surface area in cold-based glacier systems, which influences models of chemical denudation rates and the impact of glacial systems on the global carbon cycle.