The cobalt-blue Gulf Stream, which flows about 30 to 50 miles offshore, has a major influence on the climate of North Carolina. The warm current (about 60 degrees in the winter) creates milder winter temperatures, particularly along the Outer Banks. 80 degree water temperature in the summer draws tourists to the Banks for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, birding, and just relaxing on the beach. Gulf Stream fishing is a major industry from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke Inlet.
The Gulf Stream is so important to the economy of North Carolina that it has created some minor controversies, as indicated by this 1938 editorial in The Beaufort News:
From The Beaufort News,
Sept. 29, 1938
"Beyond Understanding
"The action of a Wilmington man in seeking to deride the Gulf
Stream in an article in a well known state magazine two weeks ago is a little
beyond our understanding. He claimed to quote official sources of information,
yet a careful perusal of the article leads to the impression that the
quotations were carefully selected for the purpose of being misleading.
"The gentleman says the Gulf Stream is 100 miles off
Southport. In the face of this claim the writer has a telegram from J. H.
Hawley, acting director of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, who asserts that the
approximately inner edge of the stream is 35 miles south east of Cape Fear. And
the Wilmington man takes a dig at the Wilmington, Morehead City and Beaufort
Chambers of Commerce and at the Southport Civic club for boasting a climate
influenced by the Gulf Stream. Our answer to this is that if he does not like
the climate along the coast he is perfectly welcome. In fact we will be glad to
see him take himself further away from it. The Gulf Stream does not need ‘debunking’
from a man who know nothing about it. When the true facts about it and what it
means to our coast are brought out it will be found to be worth vastly more than
the average citizen now dreams of. Meanwhile, we are more than willing to
accept the findings of the United States in preference to those of an
illinformed individual."
Amazing! Philip, My first thought was that even 80 years ago there were argumentative, critical people that enjoy making their opinions known. I suppose in those days they depended on the Editorial page for their form of social media.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this "gentleman" from the past has relatives that respond on here at times?!?
Thank you for the always informative information. I hope you have a great day!
According to a Pulitzer prize winning journalist, an editorial should have The problem presented, state examples of the problem, Facts and figures even Quotes! Then propose a solution, state facts and figures and even Quotes! Review : The problem, why it is a problem, a solution and why the solution is viable. A Newspaper is a market place of ideas, if someone is willing to publicly proclaim their lack of knowledge of a subject and a newspaper is willing to publish the OPINION, as a newspaper they have the right to do so. I think someone, Thomas Paine went on record way back when--with something he called Common Sense.
ReplyDeleteHaha...."In fact we will be glad to see him take himself further away from it." Funny!
ReplyDeleteAccording to an internet query, NOAA reports a discovery way back in 1969 was overshadowed by some guy named Neil Armstrong. The NOAA discovery of the Charleston Bump is facinating. Find out for yourself!
ReplyDelete