On the frequency distribution of net annual accumulation at the South Pole

• Published in: Geophysical Research Letters
• Main Authors: van der Veen, Cornelis J., Whillans, I. M., Gow, Anthony J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: American Geophysical Union 2015
• Subjects: South Pole; South pole
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1808/17330; https://doi.org/10.1029/1998GL900271

This is the published version, also available here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/1998GL900271. The frequency distribution of stratigraphic layer thickness in cores and a snowmine at South Pole is not compatible with a significant number (>1%) of missing layers associated with zero-accumulation years inferred from pole-height measurements. A reconciliation of these data sets is needed if observed stratigraphic records are to be used as reliable paleoclimate indicators. Three explanations for the discrepancy are offered, namely (i) during a significant number of years, a visible stratigraphic horizon does not form or is not identified, (ii) the true distribution is characterized by two maxima, with a secondary maximum centered around zero layer thickness, or (iii) the pole-height measurements are misinterpreted and there are very few zero-accumulation years at South Pole. With the currently available data, it is not possible to discriminate among these three possibilities.