Voyage of the Scotia 1902-04

The Antarctic

Pack ice

One of the peripheral subjects investigated during the 1902-1904 Scottish National Antarctic Expedition organised and led by Scottish scientist and explorer William S Bruce, was the behaviour of ice. This included not only terrestrial glaciology, but also the formation and structures of ice at sea.

Robert Davidson, second mate of SY Scotia, served as "ice master", and Captain Robertson's experience of polar navigation proved invaluable to the expedition.

A practical understanding of sea ice was essential for the safe progress of the ship and for the survival of the entire party. A more abstract interest was also shown, with many photographs being taken of various forms of sea ice in an attempt to understand its formation and movement.