Seasonal features of aerosol particles recorded in snow from Mt. Qomolangma (Everest) and their environmental implications

J Environ Sci (China). 2009;21(7):914-9. doi: 10.1016/s1001-0742(08)62361-x.

Abstract

To assess the seasonality of aerosol deposition and anthropogenic effects on central Himalayas, a 1.85-m deep snow pit was dug on the northern slope of Mt. Qomolangma (Everest). Based on the morphology and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) signal, totally 1500 particles were classed into 7 groups: soot; aluminosilicates; fly ash; calcium sulfates; Ca/Mg carbonates; metal oxides; and biological particles and carbon fragments. The size distribution and number fractions of different particle groups exhibited distinct seasonal variations between non-monsoon and monsoon periods, which are clearly related to the differences in air mass pathways. Specifically, the relative abundance of soot in non-monsoon period (25%) was much higher than that in monsoon period (14%), indicating Mt. Qomolangma region received more anthropogenic influence in non-monsoon than monsoon period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols / analysis*
  • Altitude
  • Aluminum Silicates / analysis
  • Calcium Carbonate / analysis
  • Calcium Sulfate / analysis
  • Carbon / analysis
  • China
  • Coal Ash
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Particulate Matter / analysis
  • Seasons*
  • Snow / chemistry*
  • Soot / analysis

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Coal Ash
  • Particulate Matter
  • Soot
  • aluminosilicate
  • Carbon
  • Calcium Carbonate
  • Calcium Sulfate