Climatology of stable isotopes in Antarctic snow and ice: Current status and prospects

Abstract

Stable isotopic composition in Antarctic snow and ice is commonly regarded as one of invaluable palaeoclimate proxies and plays a critically important role in reconstructing past climate change. In this paper we summarized the spatial distribution and the controlling factors of δD, δ18O, d-excess and 17O-excess in Antarctic snow and ice, and discussed their reliability and applicability as palaeoclimate proxies. Recent progress in the stable isotopic records from Antarctic deep ice cores was reviewed, and perspectives on bridging the current understanding gaps were suggested. © 2012 The Author(s).