Snow-accumulation variability from seasonal surface observations and firn-core stratigraphy, eastern Wilkes Land, Antarctica

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Goodwin, Ian D.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1991
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Wilkes Land; Antarc*; Antarctica; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000005815; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000005815

Abstract Annual accumulation records were derived from two firn cores drilled at GD03 (69° 00’S, 115° 30’E, 1835m) and GD15 (69° 00’S, 130° 48’E, 2155m), which are separated by 750 km along the 2000 m contour in eastern Wilkes Land. The accumulation records, spanning the period 1930–85, show that annual accumulation has increased by 25% from 1960 to 1985, resulting in the highest accumulation rates in the 55 year records. Annual accumulation layers were identified in the firn cores using a firn-stratigraphic model (based on the observed characteristics and variability of the seasonal snow-surface layer) together with seasonal oxygen-isotope ratios. The accumulation records support other evidence for a similar recent increase across Antarctica. The greater increase over the long-term mean for 1930–85 in eastern Wilkes Land was observed at GD15 which is located on a northeast aspect slope near Terre Adèlie. It is suggested that the increase is the result of changes in the general atmospheric circulation pattern which have produced a higher annual frequency of precipitation events.