26 



with ease. This detailed information was passed on at least twice- 

 for use in connection with transatlantic flights. 



Next to the water temperature reports the visbility is the most 

 important to the ice patrol. From the course, speed, and visibility 

 of ships passing through the ice regions the patrol vessel could readily 

 see what areas had been scouted. This information not only helped 

 in giving a true picture of the ice conditions, but was useful in plan- 

 ning the areas that the ice-patrol vessels would scout themselves. 



As in previous years, two weather maps were drawn each day from 

 the information broadcast by the United States Weather Bureau, 

 supplemented by the weather reports received from shipping. These 

 maps proved to be interesting as well as useful in planning the patrol's 

 cruising. 



Beginning with the second cruise of the season pilots balloons were 

 sent up twice daily, weather conditions permitting, and observations 

 taken to determine the force and direction of the upper air currents. 

 Rough seas, rain, and continued periods of fog greatly hindered this 

 work. This work was undertaken at the request of the United States 

 Weather Bureau. 



SUMMARY OF ICE CONDITIONS IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC, SOUTH 

 OF NEWFOUNDLAND, SEASON 1932 



It is estimated that 514 different bergs drifted south of latitude 

 48° 00' N. during the first seven months of 1932. The forecast, based 

 upon the formulae described in Coast Guard Bulletin 19, part 3, pages 

 180-189, was 300 icebergs. Probable drift tracks of ice are rather 

 well known from experience and from current charts drawn from data 

 collected during this season. Bergs reported from one position one 

 day, therefore, are frequently assumed to be identical with bergs 

 reported from two or three and sometimes even five or six days earlier 

 from different positions, and are therefore eliminated from the total 

 of bergs for the season. However, the absence of reported ice in a 

 region does not necessarily mean that there was no ice there. Some 

 regions are little traveled and continued fog in others hides the true 

 ice conditions. Monthly ice charts are shown giving all the ice 

 reported south of latitude 49° 00' N. These give a much better 

 picture of the ice conditions than can be given in a written summary. 

 (See figs. 12-16.) 



During the off season, when no ice-patrol vessel is in the vicinity of 

 the Grand Banks, the reports from the United States Hydrographic 

 Bulletin and those from the Canadian Government authorities are 

 used to learn the ice conditions. As far as is known there was no ice 

 reported south of latitude 48° 00' N. from August 1, 1931, until 

 February, 1932. A detailed summary of the ice conditions by months 

 follows : 



