,- Terra Analitic, Alba Iulia, Romania (montana.puscas@terraanalitic.ro)
Cryogenic cave calcite is a relatively rare type of cave deposit formed in periglacial environments by drip water freezing and discharging its soluble components in form of mostly calcium carbonates. While cryogenic calcite formation as a phenomenon was recognized early on by researchers (see [1,2] for references), most studies to date have focused on the morphological characteristics of these deposits or their stable isotope composition.
In this contribution we investigate the elemental and stable isotopic composition of cryogenic cave carbonate deposits (pearls) from the Scărișoara Ice Cave, Romania. The pearls were collected from within the cave at locations where active drip water was present. Samples (millimeters to centimeters in diameter) were embedded in epoxy resin, cut in half and the exposed surface was analyzed. Laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA ICP TOF MS) was used to identify the qualitative distribution of trace elements that can we expected to reach the cave from atmospheric deposition above the cave, rather that from the bedrock. A Teledyne Photon Machine 193 nm wavelength excimer laser Iridia was used in conjunction with Nu Instruments Vitesse time-of-flight ICP MS for elemental mapping. Stable isotopic (δ13C and δ 18O) composition was explored using laser ablation isotope ratio mass spectrometry (Photon Machines Fusions CO2 laser coupled to a Sercon HS2022 IRMS).
Elemental data shows highly zoned structures in the studied deposits. Layers of clear detrital input (characterized by high 89Y and low 48Ca+/28Si+) alternate with layers with monotonous chemical composition. Furthermore, the layers of detrital input are often characterized by the presence of 3–5 micron Au-containing particles. We believe those particles to be anthropogenic pollutants windblown from areas with historically intense Au mining located in relative proximity of the cave.
[1] I.D. Clark, B. Lauriol, Kinetic enrichment of stable isotopes in cryogenic calcites, Chem. Geol. 102 (1992) 217–228.
[2] K. Žák, B.P. Onac, A. Perşoiu, Cryogenic carbonates in cave environments: A review, Quat. Int. 187 (2008) 84–96.
How to cite: Pușcaș, C. M., Stremțan, C. C., Perșoiu, A., and Schlatt, L.: Elemental mapping and stable isotope analyses of cryogenic cave carbonates from Scărișoara Ice Cave, Romania, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-21375, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-21375, 2026.
