High snow accumulation on Amundsen Sea coastal ice rise, West Antarctica

Abstract

Polar snow and its accumulation preserve valuable information derived from the atmosphere on past climate and environmental changes in high resolution, particularly in coastal sites. A 2.5-m snow-pit was excavated from the coastal ice rise (Moore Dome) near Amundsen Sea region in February 2012. This study evaluated the isotopic and chemical compositions in the snow-pit and compared them with meteorological variables. Based on the seasonal peaks of the MSA and nssSO42- together with delta 18O, delta D, and d-excess, the snow-pit record was corresponded to accumulation during austral winter 2011 to summer 2011/2012. The annual mean accumulation rate was assumed thus to be as large as or even higher than 1.03 m w.e. yr-1 at this site. A relatively warm winter temperature in 2011 was traceable in the variations of delta 18O, delta D, and d-excess. This study emphasizes the importance of the high snow accumulation observed at this site in providing valuable information on sub-annual variations in climate and environmental changes through the study of longer ice cores.