APPENDIX B 

 METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS 



The drift of icebergs can be explained through 

 hindsight by a review of the meteorological condi- 

 tions during an ice patrol season. Circulation 

 patterns, the intensity and duration of prevailing 

 winds and temperature distribution, are factors 

 that influence the drift of icebergs toward or away 

 from 48 °N to become a threat to North Atlantic 

 shipping. Figures 1-B through 4-B show the 

 monthly sea surface pressures (from January to 



August). Figures 6B through 7B and figures 8B 

 through 9B show pressure gradients across 

 selected sections (shown in figure 5B) and 

 melt/frost degree days, respectively. A review 

 suggests that these combined factors, in particular 

 the prevailing winds that pushed the icebergs out 

 of the mainstream of the Labrador Current, 

 prevented all but 75 bergs from crossing 48 °N. 



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