No abstract

This paper summarizes the 37 year history of net accumulation measurements at the geographic South Pole obtained by numerous investigators using a variety of techniques. These data lead to the conclusion that annual net snow accumulation has increased in the vicinity of South Pole Station (SPS) since 1955. The records were examined for evidence of a “station effect” and it is concluded that not all of the observed increase can be attributed to snow drift associated with the presence of the station. Furthermore, the accumulation increase at the South Pole appears consistent with increases observed at other locations on the East Antarctic Plateau, and in the Peninsula region as well. These data suggest that the recent accumulation increase at SPS may be regionally extensive over the East Antarctic Plateau.

This paper summarizes the 37 year history of net accumulation measurements at the geographic South Pole obtained by numerous investigators using a variety of techniques. These data lead to the conclusion that annual net snow accumulation has increased in the vicinity of South Pole Station (SPS) since 1955. The records were examined for evidence of a “station effect” and it is concluded that not all of the observed increase can be attributed to snow drift associated with the presence of the station. Furthermore, the accumulation increase at the South Pole appears consistent with increases observed at other locations on the East Antarctic Plateau, and in the Peninsula region as well. These data suggest that the recent accumulation increase at SPS may be regionally extensive over the East Antarctic Plateau.

ABSTRACT. The quality and utility of the records of oxygen-isotopic ab undances, dust concentrations and anionic concentrations preserved in the ice at Siple Station (75°55' S, 84° IS' W) are assessed from four shallow (20 m) cores. The combination of high accum ul ation (0.56 m a-I w.e. ) and low mean a nnu al temperature (-24°C) preserves the prominent seasonal variations in 8 18 0 which are very spatially coherent. Sulfate co ncent rations vary seaso nally and, in conjunction with 8 18 0, will allow accurate dating of dee per cores from Siple Station. The concentrations of insoluble dust are the lowest measu red in Antarctica, making Siple Station an excellent location to exam ine large increases in atmospheric tubidity.Th e seasonal variations and annual flux es of the anions are examined for the last two decades (AD 1966-85 ) Finally, co mparison of the 8 18 0 record with available surface-temperature d a ta (AD 1957-85 ) reveals that multi-year trends along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula are reco rd ed at Siple. More importantly, comparison with areally weighted tem perature reconstructions suggests that the 8 18 0 record may reflect larger-scale, persistent tren ds in the high southern latitudes. The strong spatial coherence of the preserved reco rds, the potential for accurate dating, and possible relevance to largerscale processes make Siple Station an excellent site for paleo environmental reconstruction from ice co res.

ABSTRACT. The quality and utility of the records of oxygen-isotopic ab undances, dust concentrations and anionic concentrations preserved in the ice at Siple Station (75°55' S, 84° IS' W) are assessed from four shallow (20 m) cores. The combination of high accum ul ation (0.56 m a-I w.e. ) and low mean a nnu al temperature (-24°C) preserves the prominent seasonal variations in 8 18 0 which are very spatially coherent. Sulfate co ncent rations vary seaso nally and, in conjunction with 8 18 0, will allow accurate dating of dee per cores from Siple Station. The concentrations of insoluble dust are the lowest measu red in Antarctica, making Siple Station an excellent location to exam ine large increases in atmospheric tubidity.Th e seasonal variations and annual flux es of the anions are examined for the last two decades (AD 1966-85 ) Finally, co mparison of the 8 18 0 record with available surface-temperature d a ta (AD 1957-85 ) reveals that multi-year trends along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula are reco rd ed at Siple. More importantly, comparison with areally weighted tem perature reconstructions suggests that the 8 18 0 record may reflect larger-scale, persistent tren ds in the high southern latitudes. The strong spatial coherence of the preserved reco rds, the potential for accurate dating, and possible relevance to largerscale processes make Siple Station an excellent site for paleo environmental reconstruction from ice co res.