DISTRIBUTION OF HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE IN SURFACE SNOW OVER ANTARCTIC ICE-SHEET

The concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in surface snow samples obtained in East Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, from summer 1991 to late summer 1993, is discussed. Surface snow samples were obtained in vari ous locations and seasons during five traverses with snow vehicles. Gr adual distributions were observed, depending upon the season and the l ocation. The concentration of H2O2 is higher in summer than in winter, and is also higher in the inland region at higher altitude than in th e costal region lower altitude. A sudden increase in early summer snow was observed, suggesting the sudden change in atmospheric environment s, affecting the concentration of H2O2 in the snow. Snow chemistry wil l possibly make the atmospheric environment more clear for us in near future.