The exchange of trace gases with snow and frozen halide surfaces (e.g., sea ice, aerosols) largely controls atmospheric composition in polar regions. A quantitative physical understanding of trace gas-ice interactions is critical for predicting the effects of climate change on atmospheric composition, for the interpretation of ice core chemical records, and for modeling atmospheric chemistry. We have developed a unified model for liquid-like interfacial layers in environmental ice systems that is valid over a wide range of temperatures and solute concentrations. The model consists of two coupled modules describing the thickness of a liquid-like layer on ice in the high impurity (brine layer) and low impurity (quasi-liquid layer) limits. Comparisons between the model and experimental data, along with applications to several environmentally important systems, will be presented.

Liquid-like layers on ice in the environment: Connections to chemistry in the gas and condensed phases

242nd National Meeting (2011)

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