THE ANTARCTIC CONVERGENCE 

 Table i. Deviation from the mean position of the convergence 



183 



The latitude of the convergence is not much affected by the time of year. Table 2 shows the average 

 deviation for each month. The figures for June, July and August are based on so few records that they 

 should probably be disregarded, and in the other months the average deviation is less than 20 miles 

 except in February. There is a suggestion of a small northerly displacement in the cold months 

 (September-November) and a southerly displacement in the warm months (January-March), but if 

 the latitude of the convergence really varied with the temperature we should not expect the average 

 for April to be so far north. The average monthly deviations are small compared with the actual range 

 of deviation, and the convergence may be found in very different positions even in the same month. 

 For example, Nos. 60 and 109 in Table 9 were both in November in different years and in about the 

 same longitude, but the former crossing was over 50 miles north, and the latter about the same distance 

 south of the mean position. Although there may be a minor seasonal oscillation, it seems probable 

 that variations in the latitude of the convergence depend mainly on local and temporary factors, such 

 as shifting loops and irregularities in its course, and perhaps to variations in winds and currents. 



Table 2. Average monthly deviation from the mean position of the convergence 



As already noted, the mean position of the convergence, drawn in Plate I, does not differ much from 

 that arrived at by Deacon (1937, fig. 4). It is farthest south about 80° W and 180° W, and farthest north 

 between 35° W and 70° E. It is possible that some of the minor bends in its course will be smoothed 

 out in the light of additional data. There is little doubt that the S-shaped turn between the Falkland 

 Islands and South Georgia is a normal feature, but it does not always exist, for there has been at least 

 one occasion when the 'Discovery 11' has crossed this region on a meridional course and found no 

 trace of the southern limb of the loop. There is good evidence for the sharp southward turn in 60° W. 



