An ice core record of volcanic eruptions for the past 4000 years from Dome A, Antarctica

Abstract. Improving the spatial and temporal coverage of volcanic records is essential to accurately quantify volcanic forcing and to provide reliable references for climate models validation. In this study, we present a new volcanic record derived from a 133 m ice core (DA2009) drilled at Dome A, Antarctica. Based on measurements of non-sea-salt sulfate concentrations, 95 volcanic events are identified. Using 15 volcanic age markers aligned with the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide ice core (WDC) record, the DA2009 core is dated to cover the past 3951 years, from 1951 BCE to 2000 CE. By comparing the DA2009 record with three Antarctic ice cores from WAIS Divide, Dome C and South Pole, 12 prominent volcanic events are recognized. The period between 1000 and 2000 CE exhibits the most intense volcanic activity of the past 4000 years. The mean snow accumulation rates calculated between adjacent age markers indicate a marked decline in accumulation at Dome A since the 13th century CE. This low-accumulation interval coincides with a pronounced cold phase on the East Antarctic Plateau, suggesting a potential connection between regional climate variability and local accumulation rates at Dome A.