X9X0] OPENING OF THE PACK 
Depth 
Metres 
Temp, (uncorrected) 
Dec. 20 2300 (1260 fms.) 4-0-48° C. 
„ 3220 (1760 fms.) +0'ii° C. 
„ 3300 bottom 
A curious point is that the bottom layer is 2 tenths 
higher on the 20th, remaining in accord with the same 
depth on the 15th. 
Sunday , December 18. — In the night it fell calm and 
the floes opened out. There is more open water between 
the floes around us, yet not a great deal more. 
In general what we have observed on the opening of 
the pack means a very small increase in the open water 
spaces, but enough to convey the impression that the 
floes, instead of wishing to rub shoulders and grind against 
one another, desire to be apart. They touch lightly where 
they touch at all — such a condition makes much difference 
to the ship in attempts to force her through, as each floe 
is freer to move on being struck. 
If a pack be taken as an area bounded by open water, 
it is evident that a small increase of the periphery or a 
small outward movement of the floes will add much to 
the open water spaces and create a general freedom. 
The opening of this pack was reported at 3 a.m., and 
orders were given to raise steam. The die is cast, and 
we must now make a determined push for the open 
southern sea. 
There is a considerable swell from the N.VV. ; it 
should help us to get along. 
Evening. — Again extraordinary differences of fortune. 
