Are the H1 and ZEUS "High Q^2 Anomalies" Compatible with Each Other?

Abstract

Both ZEUS and H1 have recently reported an excess of events at high $Q^2$ and high Bjorken--$x$. However, the $x$ distributions differ considerably; moreover, H1 sees more events with lower luminosity. Taken separately, the $x$ distributions and the number of observed events are consistent between the two experiments at the few percent level. However, when combined it becomes clear that the results of H1 and ZEUS are as (in)compatible with each other as each is with the Standard Model.