Abstract 



During January-March 1968, the USCGC GLACIER (WAGE 

 4) penetrated the pack ice of the Weddell Sea to over 75° S. lati- 

 tude in support of the first phase of the International Weddell 

 Sea Oceanographic Expedition (IWSOE). Fifty-eight oceano- 

 graphic stations were occupied in the southwestern and western 

 Weddell Sea, most of which were in areas never before surv'eyed. 

 The U.S. Coast Guard Oceanographic Unit performed analyses of 

 temperature, salinity, oxygen and dissolved nutrients. These data 

 are presented, accompanied by a preliminary interpretation of 

 the oceanography of the Weddell Sea. The water masses and 

 processes involved in the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water 

 are discussed. 



