Snow accumulation in central west Antarctica as related to atmospheric and topographic factors

Snow accumulation rates (centimeters of water equivalent per year) along 96°W and 131°W are discussed in terms of meteorological factors and topographic influences. The circulation in the lower and middle troposphere favors transport of moisture from the oceanic sources in the north and west, although there is some transport from the east. A consideration of the topographic features and the lifting condensation level of the air indicates that the combined topographic and atmospheric factors reasonably explain the greater accumulation rate along 96°W than along 131°W, as well as the decrease from the coast toward the interior.