Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-03
Change in Japanese Current
Causes Warm Spell in Alaska

THOUGH practically continent sepa-
rates Washington and that large
Pacific ocean stream commonly known
as the Japanese current, rumors of the
strange behavior of the latter have been
of great interest to the navy hydro
graphic office and the weather bureau
in this city. Reports of both tend
to show that this manufacturing stream
has unaccountably switched it's course
toward the Arctic regions, thus creating
remarkable change in the temperature
of Alaska and the territory along the
Pacific coast. Just how long this mys-
ferrous current will continue to travel in
it's present course cannot as yet be de-
termined. Should it become permanent
Alaska in it's new-found warm climate
threatens to become winter resort.
"A study of the ocean currents has
proved them to be more or less cratic
in their travels, and a few reports tend
to show that in January there may have
been an oscillation of the axis of the
Japanese current toward the north-n
other words, the northbound steamers
had been set to the northward more than
the logs showed said Capt Fl. S.
Knapp, chief photographer, recently. "A
report of Supt. r. r. Pierson of the
proof of change in the direction of
the Japanese current. He states that
upon the arrival of the steamships
Northwestern and Edith at Cordova,
vessel reported change in the current
setting up the coast from Cape Om-
Nancy. on the southwestern point of
Baranoff Island, to Cape St. Elias on
Kayak Island, just off Prince William
sound.
The master of the Northwestern
stated that he overran his log fifty
miles between Cape Ommaney and Cape
st. Elias. a distance of $50 miles In
other words. the log recorded 800 miles
Thus the remaining distance was most
probably gained by a strong current
flowing northwesterly," continued Capt
Knapp. tine course of the Edith ran
nearer to the coast and was less under
the influence of the current. This yes
sci. however, gained twenty-Six miles
Weather reports show that an unusual
heavy southeasterly gale prevailed at
that time. and was probably the cause
OF the change in the course of the cur
rent
That these mysterious ocean currents
greatly influence the climate of the coast
| near which they find their way is a gem
orally known fact. A report Of the navy
photographic office quotes from state
ment made by Lieut.. John Z. Pillsbury
7. ;. n, while investigating under the
geodetic survey.
"The moisture and varying tempera-
| ture of the land depend largely upon the
positions of these currents in the ocean,
and 1t is thought that when we know
the laws we will with the aid of
| meteorology be able to say to the farm
ers hundreds of miles distant from the
sea, You will have an abnormal amount
OF rain during the next summer or The
winter will be cold and clear" etc
Weather reports show that at present
Alaska is having, perhaps, the mildest
winter weather Since 1904. The warm
! spell at that time was accredited by
/ some to the earthquakes then taking
place. The maximum temperature . in
Alaska now is from 40 to 40 degrees, and
there has been practically no snowfall
in the southern part since Christmas
Heavy. warm rains have melted much of
| the fallen snow. So great has the change
been In the climate of that north coun-
| try. presumably by the Japanese cur
| rent. that If this latter should continue
| in its present course straw hats and sum-
mer styles would prevail over furs and
/ the warm clothing necessary in a cold
| territory.