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Factors controlling oxygen isotopic composition of fallen snow in Antarctica

Nature volume 272, pages 46–48 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

TRANSPORTATION of water vapour to the Antarctic ice sheet is one of the most important factors controlling oxygen isotopic composition of Antarctic snow, firn and ice. In previous studies1–5, the isotopic composition of precipitation was related only to its temperature of formation. In the study reported here, the relationship between the oxygen isotopic composition of fallen snow at the Syowa Station and the transportation process of water vapour to the Antarctic ice sheet has been investigated. It was found that the oxygen isotopic composition of fallen snow is largely controlled by the supply of 18O-rich water vapour resulting from the approach of a cyclone, and is strongly related to the distance from the open sea to the sampling station.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Water Research Institute, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464, Japan

    KIKUO KATO

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  1. KIKUO KATO
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KATO, K. Factors controlling oxygen isotopic composition of fallen snow in Antarctica. Nature 272, 46–48 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/272046a0

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