REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ICE PATROL IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC Season of 2002

• Main Authors: International Ice Patrol, In The North Atlantic, U. S. Coast Guard
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.423.6566; http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/iip/2002_IIP_Annual_Report.pdf

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!