Bulletin No. 88 

 REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ICE PATROL IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC 



Season of 2002 

 CG-1 88-57 



Forwarded herewith is Bulletin No. 88 of the International Ice Patrol, describing the 

 Patrol's services, ice observations and conditions during the 2002 season. A very 

 dynamic Labrador Current and some of the largest icebergs to make their way to the 

 Grand Banks in over three decades made the 2002 iceberg season both exciting and 

 challenging. In mid-March, the iceberg population was quite literally racing south, 

 causing the southern extent of the Limits of Known Ice to expand by 380 nautical miles in 

 just 16 days. This extraordinary rapid rate of drift served as a poignant reminder of just 

 how unpredictable and dangerous these breathtaking "castles of ice" can be. 2002 also 

 marked the last year that the U. S. Coast Guard International Ice Patrol would operate 

 under the direction of the U. S. Department of Transportation prior to its move to the new 

 U. S. Department of Homeland Security in March of 2003. We hope you find the 

 following information and descriptions of this demanding iceberg season fascinating and 

 informative. Semper Paratus! 



R. L. DESH 



Commander, U. S. Coast Guard 



Commander, International Ice Patrol 



