Impact of Climate Fluctuations on North Atlantic Iceberg Counts

Results of statistical analysis of the impact of various measures of climate fluctuations on North Atlantic iceberg counts are presented. Monthly, seasonal, and annual iceberg counts are tested against indices of the NAO, ENSO, and AO to identify potential forcings and appropriate lags.

Following the RMS Titanic disaster in 1912 the International Ice Patrol was established and has maintained a count of iceberg activity in the North Atlantic region below 48°N between Newfoundland and approximately 40°W. Counts have been extend backward to 1900 and over time a variety of observation schemes were employed. This work uses the 1950-2016 period of record when observation procedures were most stable.