The surface mass balance in east Dronning Maud Land has been observed mainlvbv means of the snow-stake method. The surface mass balance generallv decreased with distance from the coast; from more than 250 mm a−1 in the coastal region to less than 50 mm a−1 in the inland region higher than 3500 m in altitude. At Mizuho Station (2230 m a.s.l.). the sublimation was about 50 mm a−1. precipitation was between 140 and 260 mm a−1, and the loss from the surface by theredistribution was estimated to be about 100 mm a−1, which agrees with the surface mass balance estimated as 70 mm a−1 from the grain-growth rate. Around the mountainous area, the balance was small or in some cases negative, where a bare-ice field has developed. In the inland area, 3000– 3200 m a.s.l..the surface mass balance was less than 50 mm a−1, i.e. lower than in the surrounding areas. This low mass-balance area can be explained bv redistribution by the drifting snow. The whole mass input in five drainage basins with a total area of 620 × 103 km2 is 61.2Gton a−1 and the mean surface mass balance is 99 mm a−1.