Sir,

We have investigated the Chernobyl fall-out in 55 vertical snow profiles (359 samples) on Hintereisferner, Kesselwandferner (Oetztal Alps), Schaufelferner (Stubai Alps), and Gefrorene Wand Kees (Zillertal Alps). The results have been compared with those given by Reference Pourchet, Pinglot, Reynaud and HoldsworthPourchet and others (1988). The maximum measured gross β-activity of the Chernobyl layer in Austrian glaciers is 339 Bq/kg (⁴⁰K equivalents; measurement: November 1986). However, great regional differences have been observed (Reference Ambach, Rehwald, Blumthaler and EisnerAmbach and others, 1987). The contamination of the Chernobyl layer is greater by a factor of about 10 on the Austrian glaciers investigated in comparison with the glaciers of the Western Alps (Reference Pourchet, Pinglot, Reynaud and HoldsworthPourchet and others, 1988). From gamma spectral analysis, a part of 60% of the total gamma activity is due to ¹³⁷Cs. It can be expected that the high gross ß-activity in the Chernobyl layer will be detectable over many decades and therefore can be used as a further reference level for dating snow.