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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

NOAA/WDS Paleoclimatology - Quelccaya Ice Cap - Particle, d18O, and Accumulation Data

browse graphicPaleoclimatology - Ice Core
This archived Paleoclimatology Study is available from the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), under the World Data Service (WDS) for Paleoclimatology. The associated NCEI study type is Ice Core. The data include parameters of ice cores with a geographic location of Peru. The time period coverage is from 1480 to -34 in calendar years before present (BP). See metadata information for parameter and study location details. Please cite this study when using the data.
  • Cite as: Thompson, L.G.; Mosley-Thompson, E.; Grootes, P.M.; Pourchet, M. (1993-12-09): NOAA/WDS Paleoclimatology - Quelccaya Ice Cap - Particle, d18O, and Accumulation Data. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/sp6t-sy70. Accessed [date].
  • Please refer to Credit tab for full citation information.
noaa-icecore-2435
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Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Data Center Contact
NOAA World Data Service for Paleoclimatology
828-271-4800
paleo@noaa.gov
Coverage Description Date Range: 470 CE to 1984 CE; Date Range: 1480 cal yr BP to -34 cal yr BP;
Time Period 470 to 1984
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -70.83
East: -70.83
South: -13.93
North: -13.93
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
  • Tropical glaciers: Potential for ice core paleoclimatic reconstructions
    • Associated Reference published 1984
      L. G. Thompson, E. Mosley-Thompson, P. M. Grootes, M. Pourchet, S. Hastenrath, 1984: Tropical glaciers: Potential for ice core paleoclimatic reconstructions. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 89, 4638-4646, 10.1029/JD089iD03p04638
Publication Dates
  • publication: 1993-12-09
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Data Update Frequency Data update frequency not available
Supplemental Information
STUDY NOTES: Additional References: Thompson, L.G., E. Mosley-Thompson and Benjamin Morales Arnao. 1984. Major El Nino/Southern Oscillation events recorded in stratigraphy of the tropical Quelccaya Ice Cap. Science, 226 (4670), 50-52. Thompson, L. G., E. Mosley-Thompson, J. F. Bolzan and B. R. Koci. 1985. A 1500 year record of tropical precipitation recorded in ice cores from the Quelccaya Ice Cap, Peru. Science, 229(4717), 971-973
ABSTRACT SUPPLIED BY ORIGINATOR: The objective of this work is to evaluate the potential of tropical glaciers and ice caps for the reconstruction of past climatic conditions by the analysis of firn and ice cores. Samples were collected in pits and from cores retrieved on three snow fields in the South American Andes: Quelccaya Ice Cap and Huascarán in Peru and Chimborazo in Ecuador. These are compared with results from west Africa and Indonesia. Measurements include the microparticle concentration, oxygen isotopic abundance ratios, and total beta radioactivity, which in polar regions often exhibit seasonal depositional cycles. Annual variations in these three parameters are fairly well defined on Quelccaya and Huascarán and are apparently absent on Chimborazo. The Quelccaya Ice Cap contains the best preserved annual signal for all three parameters and, although in some instances the annual cycle is difficult to distinguish, the measurement of more than one stratigraphic parameter aids in the interpretation of the firn core records. The relatively flat bottom topography under Quelccaya suggests a simple ice flow regime, and depth-age calculations indicate that an ice core to bedrock should contain a record of 600 to 1300 years. This inference was confirmed by drilling to bedrock in 1983. This investigation of tropical glaciers indicates that the Quelccaya Ice Cap on the eastern edge of the Peruvian Andes has excellent potential to contain a lengthy and interpretable record of climatic conditions within the tropics of South America.
Purpose Records of past temperature, precipitation, atmospheric trace gases, and other aspects of climate and environment derived from ice cores drilled on glaciers and ice caps around the world. Parameter keywords describe what was measured in this dataset. Additional summary information can be found in the abstracts of papers listed in the dataset citations.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: Thompson, L.G.; Mosley-Thompson, E.; Grootes, P.M.; Pourchet, M. (1993-12-09): NOAA/WDS Paleoclimatology - Quelccaya Ice Cap - Particle, d18O, and Accumulation Data. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/sp6t-sy70. Accessed [date].
  • Please cite original publication, online resource, dataset and publication DOIs (where available), and date accessed when using downloaded data. If there is no publication information, please cite investigator, title, online resource, and date accessed. The appearance of external links associated with a dataset does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of external Web sites or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities, the Department of Commerce/NOAA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. These links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this Department of Commerce/NOAA Web site.
Cited Authors
  • Thompson, L.G.
  • Mosley-Thompson, E.
  • Grootes, P.M.
  • Pourchet, M.
Originators
  • Thompson, L.G.
  • Mosley-Thompson, E.
  • Grootes, P.M.
  • Pourchet, M.
Publishers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Climate Indicators > Paleoclimate Indicators > Ice Core Records
  • Earth Science > Paleoclimate > Ice Core Records
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice cores
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice cores
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice cores
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice cores
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice cores
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice cores
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice cores
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice cores
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice core > accumulation
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice core > oxygen isotopes
  • earth science > paleoclimate > ice core > mineralogy
  • PAGES 2k Network
  • PAGES LOTRED SA2k
Paleoenvironmental Standard Terms (PaST) Thesaurus
  • What: particles; Material: bulk ice
  • What: particles; Material: bulk ice
  • What: delta 18O; Material: bulk ice
  • What: accumulation rate; Material: bulk ice
  • What: particles; Material: bulk ice
  • What: electrical conductivity; Material: bulk ice
  • What: accumulation rate; Material: bulk ice
  • What: ice age; Material: null
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Place keywords
  • Continent > South America > Peru > Quelccaya Ice Cap > LATITUDE -13.93 > LONGITUDE -70.83
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: Thompson, L.G.; Mosley-Thompson, E.; Grootes, P.M.; Pourchet, M. (1993-12-09): NOAA/WDS Paleoclimatology - Quelccaya Ice Cap - Particle, d18O, and Accumulation Data. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.25921/sp6t-sy70. Accessed [date].
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
  • Please cite original publication, online resource, dataset and publication DOIs (where available), and date accessed when using downloaded data. If there is no publication information, please cite investigator, title, online resource, and date accessed. The appearance of external links associated with a dataset does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of external Web sites or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities, the Department of Commerce/NOAA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. These links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this Department of Commerce/NOAA Web site.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
  • None
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Last Modified: 2023-09-01
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