Stratification in an Ice core from Vestfonna, Nordaustlandet

Abstract

In order to study the stratification an ice core 208 m in length was extracted from the Vestfonna Ice Dome, Nordaustlandet; samples were taken in order to measure total ß‐activity and Cl⁻ concentrations. Comparison with the ß‐activity profile with ⁹⁰Sr concentrations in atmospheric precipitation made it possible to identify the 1962 accumulation layer at a depth of 24 m. Mean annual accumulation for the period 1962–1981 was determined to be 88 cm of ice. Variations in Cl”; concentration made it possible to distinguish seasonal layers at different depths. Computed and measured thicknesses of the annual layers are in good agreement, which demonstrates that the accumulation rate has been fairly constant for the past 500–600 years.