Stable isotopic composition and regional climatic features - a comparative study of the East-Antarctic ice sheet surface

For the interpretation of 18O and deuterium profiles through ice sheets from the viewpoint of paleoclimatology and glaciology information is required on the relations linking local climatic parameters and the mean isotope values of the accumulated precipitations. Theoretical estimates suggest a clear connection between the temperature close to the ground and the isotope values. On the base of long-term mean data from 77 sites in East Antarctica different relations between isotope values and temperatures were established for the coastal area and for the slope of the East-Antarctic ice sheet. In addition, major differences are emerging in the isotopic composition of precipitation between the Antlantic and Indian Ocean sectors of Antarctica. The desired accuracy of ± 1 0C for paleoclimatic comparison calls for details information on how the delta values are related to regional temperatures, information which is still outstanding for Queen Maud Land. 37 refs. (author)