Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Cosmic dust in ice cores sheds light on Earth's past climate

Cosmic dust in ice cores sheds light on Earth's past climate

July 31, 2006

Each year nearly 40,000 tons of cosmic dust fall to Earth from outer space. Now, the first successful chronological study of extraterrestrial dust in Antarctic ice has shown that this amount has remained largely constant over the past 30,000 years, a finding that could help refine efforts to understand the timing and effects of changes in the Earth's past climate. The same study also used an improved analytical technique to show that dust carried to Antarctica from continental sources changed depending on climate.

The study, which appears in the July 28 issue of the journal Science, involved researchers from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, a part of The Earth Institute at Columbia University, and the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven, Germany. The depth of the core they examined corresponded to the period between 6,800 and 29,000 years before the present day-a span that includes the height of the last glacial period, and the transition to warm conditions similar to today.




The scientists collected particulate matter from the EPICA (European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica) ice core and measured the concentration of helium-3 (3He), a rare isotope that is plentiful in the sun's solar wind and is carried to Earth imbedded in cosmic dust particles measuring just a few thousandths of a millimeter in diameter. These dust particles carry their exotic helium load to the Earth's surface where they are preserved in the snow and ice of the polar ice caps, among other places.

Because ice cores from the polar caps provide a high-resolution temporal record of the past, the researchers were able to measure fine variations in the rate of cosmic dust accumulation between glacial and interglacial periods as well as the helium isotope characteristics of these rare particles. They found that the accumulation of cosmic dust did not change appreciably as the Earth emerged from the last great Ice Age and entered the current warm period, a fact that is likely to bolster the use of cosmic dust measuring techniques in future climate studies.

In addition, this was the first study to examine both cosmic and terrestrial dust using the same helium-isotope technique. As a result, they also found that the composition of mineral dust particles carried by wind from the southern continents to Antarctica changed considerably as the Earth's climate changed.

"The terrestrial dust coming down on Antarctica during the Ice Age obviously is not the same as that during warm periods," said Gisela Winckler, a Doherty associate research scientist at Lamont-Doherty and lead author on the study. "This may be due to the mineral dust originating from different regional sources or to changes in the process responsible for producing the dust."

The Earth Institute at Columbia University



Related Cosmic Dust Current Events and Cosmic Dust News Articles Cosmic Dust Current Events and Cosmic Dust News RSS Cosmic Dust Current Events and Cosmic Dust News RSS
The Milky Way's tiny but tough galactic neighbor
In the new ESO image, Barnard's Galaxy glows beneath a sea of foreground stars in the direction of the constellation of Sagittarius (the Archer).

Sophisticated telescope camera debuts with peek at nest of black holes
Less than two months after they inaugurated the world's largest telescope, University of Florida astronomers have used one of the world's most advanced telescopic instruments to gather images of the heavens.

NC State Researchers
Researchers at North Carolina State University have used a mathematical model that allows them to get a clearer picture of the galaxy's youngest supernova remnant by correcting for the distortions caused by cosmic dust.

Colors of Quasars Reveal a Dusty Universe
The vast expanses of intergalactic space appear to be filled with a haze of tiny, smoke-like "dust" particles that dim the light from distant objects and subtly change their colors, according to a team of astronomers from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-II).

Cornell-led team detects dust around a primitive star, shedding new light on universe's origins
A Cornell-led team of astronomers has observed dust forming around a dying star in a nearby galaxy, giving a glimpse into the early universe and enlivening a debate about the origins of all cosmic dust.

APEX reveals glowing stellar nurseries
Illustrating the power of submillimetre-wavelength astronomy, an APEX image reveals how an expanding bubble of ionised gas about ten light-years across is causing the surrounding material to collapse into dense clumps that are the birthplaces of new stars. Submillimetre light is the key to revealing some of the coldest material in the Universe, such as these cold, dense clouds.

Cosmic connections: Imperial scientist locates the origin of cosmic dust
The research, published in the journal Geology, shows that some of the cosmic dust falling to Earth comes from an ancient asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. This research improves our knowledge of the solar system, and could provide a new and inexpensive method for understanding space.

Arctic pollution's surprising history
Scientists know that air pollution particles from mid-latitude cities migrate to the Arctic and form an ugly haze, but a new University of Utah study finds surprising evidence that polar explorers saw the same phenomenon as early as 1870.

Cool spacedust survey goes into orbit
University of Nottingham astronomers will be studying icy cosmic dust millions of light years away - using the biggest space telescope ever built.

NASA aims to clear up mystery of elusive clouds at edge of space
NASA is preparing to launch the Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) spacecraft, the first mission dedicated to exploration of mysterious ice clouds that dot the edge of space in Earth's polar regions.
More Cosmic Dust Current Events and Cosmic Dust News Articles
Dust in the Galactic Environment (2nd Edition) (Graduate Series in Astronomy)

Dust in the Galactic Environment (2nd Edition) (Graduate Series in Astronomy)
by D.C.B Whittet (Author)

Provides a thorough overview of the subject, covering general concepts, methods of investigation, important results and their significance, relevant literature, and some suggestions for promising avenues of future research. Softcover.

  Journey
Cosmic Dust Fusion Band (Performer)

JOURNEY,with the Cosmic Dust Fusion Band, presents all original compositions by Jim Templeton, and literally sizzles with energy, while it charms with color and depth. Reminiscent of music by "Weather Report," JOURNEY touches on rock, classical, and avant-garde styles, as well as jazz. Check out the title track for a transcendental journey in space and time--complete with growling monsters and floating orbs. Then listen to "Rosario," finding yourself transported into a meditative trance, and charmed by stillness, showered with glittering ice crystals. "Spiritus," in 5/4 meter, employs classical compositional techniques, and was awarded the Washington State Artist Trust Award in 1993 ($5000). Humor you will find in "Bones For Dog," with its snazzy Moog Synthesizer ostinato and abrupt...

  Planet Plasma - Cosmic Dust and Mars Mud
by Jakks



Volcom Cosmic Dust Halter Bikini Top - Women's

Volcom Cosmic Dust Halter Bikini Top - Women's
by Volcom

You might think the Volcom Womens Cosmic Dust Halter Bikini Top is enchanted when you wear it to the beachafter all, you talked your way out of a speeding ticket without saying a word and your guy friends have suddenly lost the ability to form complete sentences. Did you forget to put in the removable padded cups? Maybe thats it.

Product FeaturesMaterial: 86% Nylon, 14% elastanePadded: Yes, removableRecommended Use: Swimming, surfing, beach & pool wearManufacturer Warranty: 30 Days

Naturalizer Women's Prissy (Cosmic Dust 8.0 W)

Naturalizer Women's Prissy (Cosmic Dust 8.0 W)
by Naturalizer

You'll sit pretty in these exquisite Prissy slingbacks from Naturalizer. Leather or satin fabric upper in a strappy dress slingback style. Crisscross straps at vamp and instep, tonal stitching accents, slender slingback heel strap with an elastic panel. Smooth lining, comfortable cushioned insole. Flexible traction-patterned outsole. Matching 2 1/2 inch tapered heel.

Cosmic Dust

Cosmic Dust
Hieroglyphic Being (Primary Contributor)



Optics of Cosmic Dust (NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry)

Optics of Cosmic Dust (NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry)
by Gorden Videen (Editor), Miroslav Kocifaj (Editor)

Initially this book focuses on the chemical and morphological properties of dust particles, both cosmological and terrestrial, and some of techniques used to gain information. When light or other electromagnetic radiation interacts with dust or other particles it is scattered in all directions. The scattering interaction are relevant to many fields of science: dust affects communications, dust particles affect the output of aerosol monitors, and dust particles are an important astrophysical component, making up a large part of the dark matter in the universe. The electromagnetic forces exerted on these particles may play an important role in bringing the particles together to form larger astronomical bodies. Optics of Cosmic Dust describes what we currently know about cosmic...

How the Earth Formed Out of Cosmic Dust Art Giclee Poster Print by English School, 24x18

How the Earth Formed Out of Cosmic Dust Art Giclee Poster Print by English School, 24x18
by AllPosters.com

AllPosters.com is the world's #1 seller of posters, prints, photographs, specialty products and framed art. We're dedicated to bringing our customers the best selection of high quality wall décor that is perfect for their home or office. Browse our catalog of over 300,000 items that include entertainment and specialty posters, decorative prints, and art reproductions. Whether you're looking for your favorite movie or music poster, a framed Monet reproduction, or a print of the Eiffel Tower you will find it at AllPosters.com. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/allposters to find Special Offers and search by subject category or artist. AllPosters.com provides unmatched service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your...

  Cosmic dust. Editor: Harold E. Whipple. Consulting editor, William A. Cassidy. (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Vol. 119)
by William A. and Whipple, Harold E., eds. Cassidy (Author)



First Man Into Space

First Man Into Space
Starring: Marshall Thompson, Marla Landi, Bill Edwards, Robert Ayres, Bill Nagy
Directed By: Robert Day
Also With: John Croydon (Producer), Charles F. Vetter (Producer), Richard Gordon (Producer)



© 2009 BrightSurf.com