Drifting snow samples were collected at Asuka Station (71 degrees 32'S
, 24 degrees 08'E, 930 m above sea level) over a period from July to D
ecember 1991; 36 elements (including Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Al, Li, V, Cr,
Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Se, Rb, Sr, Cd, Pb, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu
, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Th) in snow were analyzed by ind
uctively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) by direct sample in
troduction. Concentrations of Cl-, NO3-, and SO42- in the snow were al
so determined by ion chromatography. In late September to early Octobe
r, there was a pronounced peak concentration of most of the elements t
ogether with non-sea salt sulfate. Enrichment factor analyses suggest
that Na, Mg, Ca, K, and Sr are of marine origin and Al, Fe, Mn, Rb, Cr
, Ni, Ga, V, and all the rare earth elements are of crustal origins. V
olcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo (June 1991) and Mt. Hudson (August 19
91) could be the reason for the precipitation of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, and S
e together with non-sea sat sulfates in the austral Spring at Asuka St
ation.