FOREWORD 



The U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office has been engaged in exploratory 

 development of methods of sea ice observation and prediction of sea ice 

 processes which affect arctic military operations and warfare since i960. 

 A thorough iinderstanding of periodicity and other oscillatory properties 

 of sea ice is extremely important for ultimate prediction of ice deforma- 

 tion processes. Since deformation processes determine the origin, develop- 

 ment, and decay of open water and ridging features throiighout the 2 to ^ 

 million sq.uare miles of ice-covered Arctic Basin, they profoundly affect 

 global heat balance and quantity of ice produced during any given season. 



This report presents the research results of an initial attempt to 

 employ gravimeters for investigation of longwaves on the Arctic Ocean and 

 ascribes generation mechanisms to these waves. The evidences relating 

 vertical ice oscillations to atmospheric micropressure records suggest that 

 this approach be continued. 



Comments and criticisms concerning the experimental design or inter- 

 pretation of the results are welcome and should be addressed to the 

 Commander, U.S. Ilaval Oceanographic Office.! 



Rear Admifal, U.S. Navy 



Commander 



U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office 



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