An abnormal increase in the number of icebergs in the Atlantic threatens shipping
“International ice patrol” made a statement: the unusually large number of icebergs drifting this spring to the South, presenting a direct threat to shipping routes in the North Atlantic. About it reports the Guardian.
The patrol was organized after the crash of the Titanic in 1914. The court provides the United States coast guard, and pays patrolling a consortium of countries interested in transatlantic navigation. The marine patrol monitors the number of iceberg and routes them to drift.
On average, by the beginning of April the patrols notice about 80 of icebergs, but this year the figure increased to 450 (for the summer expect 600 icebergs). As a result, transport ships passing off the coast of Newfoundland, are forced to reduce speed to 3-4 knots, and many other vehicles have to change routes, making the “hook” in 500-600 miles.
According to climatologists, the icebergs being driven by an unusually strong South wind that changes direction in a counterclockwise direction. But global warming can also be one of the factors responsible for the anomaly this year: the glaciers are melting around the world, and Greenland is no exception.