On the frequency distribution of net annual snow accumulation at the SouthPole

The frequency distribution of stratigraphic layer thickness in cores and a snowmine at South Pole is not compatible with a significant number (> 1%) o f missing layers associated with zero-accumulation years inferred from pole -height measurements. A reconciliation of these data sets is needed if obse rved stratigraphic records are to be used as reliable paleoclimate indicato rs. Three explanations for the discrepancy are offered, namely (i) during a significant number of years, a visible stratigraphic horizon does not form or is not identified, (ii) the true distribution is characterized by two m axima, with a secondary maximum centered around zero layer thickness, or (i ii) the pole-height measurements are misinterpreted and there are very few zero-accumulation years at South Pole. With the currently available data, i t is not possible to discriminate among these three possibilities.