By the analyses of Guliya ice core on the Tibetan Plateau, it was found that the calcium (Ca 2 l originated from the terrestrial source is the main cation of soluble aerosol and a good proxy of the atmospheric component and environment in the mountain ice core located in the mid-low latitude arid regions. Evident variation of Ca 2 + concentration has been found in the Guliya ice core since the Last Interglaciation with two relatively strong increase periods and two weak increase periods. These variations are generally related to climatic changes: high Ca2+ concentration periods coincide with cold periods and low Ca2+ concentration periods coincide with warm periods. However, Ca 2 + concentration does not always decrease (increase) with climate warming (cooling). The magnitude and phase of Ca2+ concentration does not always match temperature either. The changes of atmospheric circulation, land surface condition and atmospheric humidity might be important factors which influence Ca 2 + concentration besides temperature.

Formate and acetate concentrations are measured in a 22.56 m-depth ice core recovered in Mt. Muztagata Glacier, northwest Tibetan Plateau. The mean concentrations for formate and acetate in this ice core are 186.6±160.1 and 136.4±133.9 ng/g, respectively. Study shows that there is a positive correlation between formate and nitrate, suggesting both continental origins. However, no significant relationship has been found between formate and acetate, though they both have obvious periodical variations. Because Mt. Muztagata lies in the mid-latitude and is correlative to the nearby human activities, formate and acetate concentrations are higher than those in Greenland and Antarctica. During recent decades, the increase of formate concentration in the Muztagata ice core and formaldehyde production shows a close correlation. We preliminarily presume that the high formate concentration in the Muztagata ice core is concerned with the thriving of house decoration in which excess formaldehyde was used.