Almost from the date of their discovery by Captain Cook in 1775 the seal stocks of South Georgia have formed the basis of a lucrative, though initially sporadic, industry.

South Georgia lies between 54 degrees and 55 degrees South and between 36 degrees and 38 degrees West. Despite its low latitude it has an antarctic climate, being south of the Antarctic Convergence at all seasons of the year. True sea ice is probably never formed on any of its coasts though enormous quantities of brash ice from the many glaciers may frequently obstruct access to certain beaches. Meteorological observations are made at King Edward Cove, a sheltered spot on the north-east coast, which does not perhaps represent truly the severity of the climate. In 1953 the average temperature throughout the year was 35·6 degrees F. and the extreme minimum recorded was 10 degrees F. in July. Almost certainly the exposed parts of the coast, particularly on the south-west side, frequently experience temperatures below zero. Violent winds are common. In 1953 the mean wind-speed was 8·9 knots and precipitation, mostly in the form of snow, amounted to 1,257·6 mm. The pattern of the climate of South Georgia is delineated by the relatively low temperatures, the prevailing high winds and the heavy precipitation.