Browsing by Author "Karlson, LR"

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    Application of ion beam analysis and refined sample preparation techniques to the study of aeolian dust samples from north-west Australia
    (Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE), 2009-11-27) Karlson, LR; Greene, RSB; Scott, K; Stelcer, E; Cresswell, R
    Ion beam analysis (IBA) can provide extremely accurate data on the elemental composition of dust samples. However, recent analysis of dust samples collected from SE Australia using a range of sample collectors have demonstrated that considerable uncertainty may exist in the interpretation of results because of uncertainties associated with the sample preparation methods. This current study focuses on refining the methods used for preparing dust samples for analysis; it also considers probable source areas for entrained dust in order to minimise additional uncertainties which may be introduced when assumptions about sample composition are made during mathematical treatment of the IBA data. © 2009 AINSE
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    Characteristics of Aeolian dust across northwest Australia
    (Elsevier Science Ltd., 2014-03-01) Karlson, LR; Greene, RSB; Scott, KM; Stelcer, E; O’Loingsigh, T
    South easterly trade winds have long been thought to transport aeolian dust across northwest Australia, but very little is known about the chemical and particle size characteristics of this material. From July 2008 to May 2009, 36 aeolian dust samples were collected monthly at four sites across Australia's northwest. The results of ion beam analysis indicate that the samples consisted of four major elemental groups, one of which appeared to be transported across the sites during months in winter and summer. This group (characterised by higher ratios of Fe, Ti and Mn/Si than the Earth's Crustal Average) also showed a decrease in particle sizes towards the west. This suggests that the dust may have had a central Australian source, while other groups richer in Si appear to have been locally derived. These results support previous models of seasonal dust transport, and may have relevance in regional climate modelling, the transport of nutrients into the Indian Ocean, mineral exploration and studies of respiratory health. © 2013, Elsevier Ltd.