Observations on the distribution and movement of the pack ice around Antarctica. These are based mainly on the work of the “Discovery” Committee’s ships between 1925 and 1939, but also include observations from the pelagic whaling fleet for the years 5930–36. The seasonal advance and retreat of the pack ice are considered in detail and information is given of conditions at the ice edge throughout the year. The movement, or drift, of the pack ice is thought to be closely connected with the surface waters around the Antarctic Continent and a brief account of these currents is included. Some outstanding problems are mentioned in connexion with future research and attention is drawn to the need for air reconnaissance.

Ice streams composing a compound valley glacier may be juxtaposed, inset or superimposed, and Demorest’s concepts of ice flowage provide a plausible explanation for these relations. If valley floors are accordant, juxtaposition results because the waxing force of gravity and obstructed gravity flow in the tributary glacier overcomes the waning force of obstructed extrusion flow from the trunk glacier enabling the tributary to force its way into a juxtaposed position with the trunk glacier in the main valley. If discordance in valley floors is less than the thickness of the trunk glacier, an insert position develops by the same mechanism. If the discordance is greater than the thickness of the trunk glacier, superimposition results. Locally, superimposed or inset relations may be established by exceptionally rapid advances, even with accordant valley floors, but any superimposed ice stream shortly becomes inset by sinking into the underlying ice, at least in temperate glaciers.

The evolution of snow and glacier research in Switzerland is outlined. The settling, creep, viscosity and slipping of the snow cover are discussed in detail and the relationship of these comparatively simple processes to the more complex movements in a glacier are described. The importance of further research in glacier physics in connection with the crystallographic and mechanical properties of ice is stressed; certain preliminary laboratory experiments and some subjects for further research in the field are suggested. The Great Aletsch Glacier is recommended for this owing to the proximity of the Jungfraujoch Research Institute and facilities for transport by the Jungfraujoch Railway.