Statistical Analysis of Observed Iceberg Drift

Eight iceberg trajectories observed by the U.S. Coast Guard during 1965, 1967, and 1968 have been subjected to preliminary analysis. The data were obtained by tracking the icebergs relative to fixed reference markers using visual bearings and radar ranges. Speed ratios and drift angles were calculat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:ARCTIC
Main Author: Ettle, Robert Erwin
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 1974
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/65915
Description
Summary:Eight iceberg trajectories observed by the U.S. Coast Guard during 1965, 1967, and 1968 have been subjected to preliminary analysis. The data were obtained by tracking the icebergs relative to fixed reference markers using visual bearings and radar ranges. Speed ratios and drift angles were calculated for each half hour of iceberg trajectory. It was found that at low wind speeds the effects of permanent currents, older wind-driven currents, and tidal currents predominate over wind drag and new wind-driven currents, whereas at wind speeds of over 10 knots the wind has a significant effect on the drift of an iceberg. The ratio of the drag coefficient for the iceberg's above-water portion to the drag coefficient for its submerged portion was found to range from 1.5 to approximately 7.