Comment on “Low time resolution analysis of polar ice cores cannot detect impulsive nitrate events” by D.F. Smart et al.

Smart et al. (2014) suggested that the detection of nitrate spikes in polar ice cores from solar energetic particle (SEP) events could be achieved if an analytical system with sufficiently high resolution was used. Here we show that the spikes they associate with SEP events are not reliably recorded in cores from the same location, even when the resolution is clearly adequate. We explain the processes that limit the effective resolution of ice cores. Liquid conductivity data suggest that the observed spikes are associated with sodium or another nonacidic cation, making it likely that they result from deposition of sea salt or similar aerosol that has scavenged nitrate, rather than from a primary input of nitrate in the troposphere. We consider that there is no evidence at present to support the identification of any spikes in nitrate as representing SEP events. Although such events undoubtedly create nitrate in the atmosphere, we see no plausible route to using nitrate spikes to document the statistics of such events.

Identifying sources of subsurface nitrate pollution with stable nitrogen isotopes /

"Contract no. 68-03-2450."

National performance audit program : 1980 proficiency surveys for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfate, nitrate, lead and high volume flow /

Mode of access: Internet.

A study of nitrate respiration in the activated sludge process /

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The transition temperature of alpha to beta ammonium nitrate : some methods for its determination.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1921.

Measurements of plutonium nitrate shipping solutions /

"U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Contract AT(29-1)-1106."