High-resolution ICP-MS data from KZB2021-1 ice core, Kazbegi Plateau, Caucasus

This dataset contains high-resolution trace element concentrations measured by ICP-MS in 146 meltwater samples from the KZB2021-1 ice core, collected from the Kazbegi Plateau, Greater Caucasus, during the 2021 expedition. The data were generated at the Climate Change Institute (CCI), University of Maine, and are associated with the manuscript Impact of Regional Warming on the Paleoenvironmental Record of Kazbegi Plateau, Caucasus. Sample processing followed Osterberg et al. (2008) protocols for continuous melting in a class 100 cleanroom. Analyses were conducted using a Thermo Scientific Element XR ICP-MS equipped with an ESI Apex 2 Q inlet system and a PFA-ST nebulizer self-aspirating at 100 μL/min. An ESI DX-4 autosampler was used under HEPA filtration to minimize contamination. The ESI Apex system enhanced sensitivity and reduced oxide formation. Elements were measured in appropriate resolution modes: Li, Be, Rb, Sr, Y, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Pb, Th, and U were analyzed in low resolution; V, Cr, Co, Ni, Ga, Ca, Mg, Na, S, Mn, Fe, Al, Cu, and Zn in medium resolution; and As and K in high resolution. The instrument was tuned daily, and calibration was verified using the certified water reference material SLRS-6 (Environment Canada). Standards bracketing the samples were run with each analytical batch, and check standards were periodically analyzed throughout the run to monitor long-term instrumental drift, following the method of Krachler et al. (2005). Thermo Electron’s Auto-Lock Mass software routine was used to compensate for mass drift. To minimize handling and reduce contamination risk, no internal standard was used.