Arctic Ice Atlas Large folio index chart as front pastedown, 105 pages including full and half-page chromolithographed maps and charts, divisional titles, tables, bibliography; original ring-bound pictorial blind-stamped black cloth binding, gilt title. Measures approximately 24 1/2“ x 24 1/2“. The plastic ring binder has some issues but is easily replaced. Arctic exploration reached new heights in the early twentieth century with the first successful expedition to the North Pole. Throughout the following decades, countries started to claim territorial rights in the Artic for economic, industrial and above all military reasons. In the Second World War, the Arctic region became a key supply route for then-allies the United States and the USSR. Naturally, its strategic importance only increased during the Cold War. In 1946, the US Navy published an atlas of the northern hemisphere documenting the extent of and changes to the ice formation across the Arctic. This copy is the corrected re-print from 1955. Coloured monthly maps for each principal region track seasonal changes and show permanent features. In the Arctic, sea ice peaks in the early spring after the long, cold winter, with the most ice typically seen in March. The ice packs then partially melt and break up over the summer, with September usually having the least sea ice. The majority of the maps are accompanied by scales and coloured keys to indicate different types of ice. They also show large swathes of the northern lands in the Northern Hemisphere, where toponyms and significant geographical features are identified. The altas also includes statistical tables, introductory notes and an extensive bibliography and reference list at the end. **PLEASE NOTE*** I'm not a collector or expert so please see all photos for condition and let me know if you have any questions or need any more photographs. Due to the reason of light and the display, you can see the picture may have a slight color difference problem, this is inevitable, please understand. Please review images to make your judgment on cosmetic condition which I believe is a matter of personal opinion. You will get what you see. Please keep in mind that the majority of the items in my store are used, vintage or antique. I try to list every item accurately and to the best of my ability including any damage that I may find. There may be surface wear, scuffing or minor things to items that would come with normal use so if there is something specific you are concerned about please ask. If you see a mistake or flaw in my listing PLEASE let me know! I try to research each item and now and then I get it wrong. I welcome input and will make changes when I can verify your input. I have an antique & vintage shop in San Diego close to downtown with a wide range of antiques, furniture, collectibles and other unique items. Open to the public by usually starting in the afternoons every day.