The geochemistry of soluble salts in the Wright and Taylor Valleys, South Victoria Land, Antarctica

Abstract

Samples of salt deposits, snow, meltwater and soils were collected in the Wright and Taylor Valleys, South Victoria Land, during the summer field season of 1973-74. The primary aim of the work carried out was to demonstrate the application of chemical techniques to geological problems in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica. Salt samples identified by X-ray diffraction patterns were halite, thenardite and mirabilite. Snow, ice and groundwater samples were analysed for Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺. Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻. The results show that atmospheric transport from the sea is probably the most important source of supply of salts to the Dry Valley system, with saline groundwater flows as important means of transport of salts to the Dry Valley lakes.