Figure 17. — Sea level chart — Monthly mean pressure — January 1966. 



The warmer than normal air temperatures along the Labrador coast 

 for January and February (refer to figs. 19 and 20) could perhaps be 

 argued as in favor of inhibiting ice growth. However, tliere are other 

 indications tliat the circulation of the Labrador Sea had sliown a 

 very definite warming trend. These were the higher than normal sea 

 surface temperature reports received, an increase flow and increase 

 in temperature of tlie West Greenland Current, and the general absence 

 of a well defined Labrador Current. 



Berg environment and sea surface temperatures tlirougliout the Ice 

 Patrol reporting area were noticeably higher throughout the season 

 (refer to figs. '21 through 25). No well marked intrusion of cold water 

 was noted on the slope of the Grand Banks. During 16-31 March 1966, 

 the 32° F. isopleth did extend south of 45° N. but was placed well up 

 on the Banks. This intrusion of cold water was distributed rather 

 evenly over the Grand Banks and is coincident with the period of 

 maximum pack ice penetration which luid by 18 March extended south 

 to a line from 47°40' N., 52°40' W., to 48°20'"n., 50°40' W. 



Througliout the period 1 March-30 April, much warmer than normal 

 sea surface temperatures were observed north of 48° N. between 

 approximately 45° W. to 48° W. longitude. Witli an apparent lack of 



19 



