A Refined Method to Analyze Insoluble Particulate Matter in Ice Cores, and Its Application to Diatom Sampling in the Antarctic Peninsula

The insoluble particulate matter deposited on ice sheets provide key information to reconstruct past climate. low concentration of some matter, such as terrigenous particles and microfossils, challenges the efficiency recovery representativeness results. Here we present a new optimized method extract, quantify classify targeted matter. Particle rates particle distribution were investigated using polystyrene standards filtered through Polycarbonate membrane filters subsequently scanned in scanning electron microscope. Experimental results continuous discrete sampling systems reveal consistent trends transport removal material inside filtration system. Statistical simulations are used optimize sample analyses required achieve representative analysis diatoms cores this uncovered their potential hold valuable climate records from Antarctic Peninsula region. data presented here evidence presence measurable amount marine with sub-annual variations, highlighting record seasonal indicator. provides an statistically approach for extracting, recovering analyzing micrometre-sized, low-concentration ice.