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However, vessels do travel through the iceberg limits at times. Icebergs are known to be located in groups (due to prevailing currents and winds as they break-up). Frequently there are broad areas within the iceberg limits where there are no known icebergs. Vessels have been known to transit across this area cautiously, however weather conditions must be ideal for this to occur. Especially in the spring and early summer, low vis- ibilities due to fog frequently occur across the Grand Banks (fog across the vicinity caused by the interaction be- tween the cold Labrador current and the warm Gulf Stream). Vessels will not risk traveling through the iceberg limits in these conditions, as visual detection would be extremely limited.

Conclusion

Icebergs remain a major threat to ship- ping lanes across the North Atlantic.

However, since the sinking of the RMS

Titanic, there has been better detection and monitoring of icebergs thanks to the

IIP and continuing advances in radar and satellite technology. With RADARSAT- 2 in place, smaller icebergs are now being detected. These tools helps the IIP produce better iceberg warnings, which in turn allows for increased vessel safely while minimizing extra distance steamed and fuel consumed. Despite the improve- ments in technology that monitors and detects icebergs, vessels must continue to use extreme caution during the iceberg season when navigating near the Grand

Banks.

References •Canada Ice Service, http://ice- glaces.ec.gc.ca, 2010. •Carlson, Kathryn. 2006. Technology

Timeline – Canadian Geographic. •Hill, Brian T., 2005. Database of Ship

Collisions with Icebergs. •International Ice Patrol, http://www.uscg-iip.org, 2010. •J.J. van der Sanden, 2003. Anticipated

Applications Potential of RADARSAT-2 data. •MacLellan, Ainslie., 2006. Tracking

Monsters - Canadian Geographic. •Molly Bawn, Whale and Puffin Tours, www.mollybawn.com/icebergs.html, 2010. •Titanic Universe, http://www.titanicuni- verse.com/, 2010.

June 2010 www.marinelink.com 65

Joshua J. KearnsJ, Marine Meteorol- ogist at Weather Routing, Inc. Glens

Weather Routing, Inc. (WRI) can be contacted via email at [email protected] or phone at (518)- 798-1110.