Environmental factors affecting 17th–19th century whaling in the Greenland Sea
Abstract Commercial pelagic whaling of the 17th–19th centuries in the Greenland Sea was heavily influenced by environmental factors. Much of the fishery took place along a constantly shifting ice-edge, variations in which stamped a unique character on each season's operation. Environmental cond...
| Published in: | Polar Record |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
1991
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0032247400012195 https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0032247400012195 |
| Summary: | Abstract Commercial pelagic whaling of the 17th–19th centuries in the Greenland Sea was heavily influenced by environmental factors. Much of the fishery took place along a constantly shifting ice-edge, variations in which stamped a unique character on each season's operation. Environmental conditions required expert interpretation, both to procure paying cargoes of whale oil and bone and to survive hazards posed by sea, wind and ice. Detailed knowledge of currents, temperatures and winds enhanced greatly the chance that a master would have a successful voyage. |
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