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We summarize (1) knowledge about the global pre-industrial cycle of CO2 and CH4, and (2) recent reconstructions of the concentration of CO2 and CH4 in the atmosphere (CO2atm and CH4atm) based on ice cores drilled in Antarctica and Greenland. We discuss critically some difficulties in the interpretation of these reconstructions and suggest studies that should permit to better understand the factors controlling CO2atm and CH4atm variations. To cite this article: O. Marchal, J. Chappellaz, C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]