SULFATE IN ANTARCTIC SNOW - SPATIO-TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION

In this study, we report sulfate content measurements of eighty snow samples collected in East Antarctica. Stringent contamination free techniques were used both for sampling and analysis (ionometric titration with a lead selective electrode after preconcentration). Sulfate concentrations (range: 50-100.10-9 g g-1, accuracy ±10%) do not show large variations along a 1100 km coast interior axis, if we except a narrow coastal area. The analysis of well dated snow samples (time range: 1950-1975) collected at South Pole Station and Dome C (124°E, 75°S) suggest a main marine contribution for the sulfate content, to which are added sporadic stratospheric injections linked with major volcanic events, such as Mt. Agung (1963), whose eruption is clearly recorded. There is no evident anthropogenic contribution to the measured values. © 1978.