Scale evolution of nuclear parton distributions

Using the NMC and E665 nuclear structure function ratios F-2(A)/F-2(D) and F-2(A)/F-2(C) from deep inelastic lepton-nucleus collisions, and the E772 D rell-Yan dilepton cross sections from proton-nucleus collisions, and incorp orating baryon number and momentum sum rules, we determine nuclear parton d istributions at an initial scale Q(0)(2). With these distributions, we stud y QCD scale evolution of nuclear parton densities. The emphasis is on small values of x, especially on scale dependence of nuclear shadowing. As the m ain result, we show that a consistent picture can be obtained within the le ading twist DGLAP evolution, and in particular, that the calculated Q(2) de pendence of F-2(Sn)/F-2(C) agrees very well with the recent NMC data. (C) 1 998 Elsevier Science B.V.