the seismic sea wave for alerting the area, was developed and placed 

 in operation at Honolulu and at Hilo ; and a chronological file of seismic 

 sea-wave data has been set up. In addition to these steps, the warning 

 system, when fully developed, will involve rapid co-operation on the 

 part of seismological observatories, tide stations, and communication 

 networks. 



Nautical Charts 



The experimental chart. No. 5101a, which the Coast and Geodetic 

 Survey published in 1939 for the southern California area has important 

 significance in oceanographic studies. This type of chart is characterized 

 by many depth curves which bring to light submarine features not 

 readily discernible on the conventional type of chart where many 

 soundings are shown, but only few depth curves. Practically all of the 

 Pacific coast charts follow this new pattern and it is being applied to 

 the charts in other areas where information is available for the accurate 

 delineation of the submarine topography. 



Papers Prepared for Pacific Science Congress 



The two following papers were prepared for presentation : — 



Tidal Investigations in the Pacific, by E. C. McKay. 

 A Seismic Sea Wave Warning Svstem for the Pacific, by 

 W. B. Zerbe. 



UNITED STATES: DIVISION OF OCEANOGRAPHY, THE 

 HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE, UNITED STATES NAVY 



The following excerpts are taken from the annual report of the 

 Hydrographic Office : — 



Collection and Dissemination of Oceanographic Data 



The oceanographic programme continued at an increased rate the 

 implementation of the more or less routine tasks included in the 

 programme. These tasks, in part, include the collection and maintenance 

 of the files of basic oceanographic data ; compilation, analyses, and 

 preparation of this data for inclusion in reports, manuals, and publications; 

 standardization of the methods for observation and reporting of oceano- 

 graphic information by both governmental and non-governmental 

 agencies ; preparation of reports in answer to requests for oceanographic 

 information from military and non-military activities ; participation, 

 through procurement of equipment and personnel, in Navy-sponsored 

 expeditions and representation on numerous committees and panels 

 concerned with oceanography^ and related sciences. 



Numerous new programmes were initiated. One such programme is 

 concerned with oceanography and allied studies in high latitudes. 

 Studies relating to phj^sical characteristics, distribution, and movement 

 of sea ice were started and are continuing. The development of new 

 specialized equipment, rather than the modification of present equip- 

 ment, was instigated ; codes and reporting forms to assist in standard- 

 ization of methods of recording ice data were prepared and issued, and 

 such related items as the preparation of an ice glossary, in several 

 languages, were initiated. 



157 



