Accumulation variation in eastern Kemp Land, Antarctica

Abstract

The spatial patern of accumluation rate for eastern Kemp Land in the elevation range 1850-2700m is presented together with observations of the physical parameters of snow temperature, average microwave emissivity (19 GHz, H polarization), distribution of depth hoar and firn-crystal diameter. The broad accumulation patter in the region was found to be significantly low when compared to other coastal areas of East Antarctica such as Wilkes Land. δ18O variations of seemingly cyclic nature observed throughout the cores were interpreted as a product of the snow-dune building and erosion processes, together with general redistribution of snows by the surface wind field, under the influence of meso..