Noble Gas Radioisotope Constraints on Water Residence Time and Solvent Sources in Lake Bonney

A noble gas radionuclide analysis of perennially ice covered West Lake Bonney was performed in order to determine water residence time and ice cover timing. Bulk gas samples were collected at four depths in the lake. Krypton and argon gases were selectively isolated from the bulk gas and measurements of 81Kr, 85Kr and 39Ar were made. Radiokrypton and radioargon analyses yielded lower limit ages of 78 to 285 years, significantly younger than expected based on previous dating efforts. It was determined that these new data do not invalidate previous work, but instead offer new insight into the timing of the most recent episode of direct communication between the atmosphere and West Lake Bonney waters.