ABSTRACT

The Juneau Icefield area is thought to be one of the best locations for the geochemical study on the migration of chemical elements through the hydrosphere. In this report, the migration of chemical species, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^-, SO₄^2-, HCO₃^-, molybdate-reactive silica and borate-boron, is discussed. The following facts were pointed out: (1) the major chemical species other than calcium and bicarbonate ions in saline water of the area mainly come from sea water, (2) calcium and bicarbonate ions in large amount are supplied to saline water by dissolution of carbonate material contained in muddy sediments which are formed by glacial erosion, (3) removal of soluble silica must be assumed when muddy fresh water from glaciers mixes with sea water to form saline water, (4) the silica content of suspended material decreases with increasing salt content of saline water, and (5) the ratio of borate-boron concentration to chloride concentration is higher in interstitial water than in saline water.