"Aside from its importance to many branches of science, a knowledge of the 

 oceans has a practical value for mankind. The intelligent development of 

 our fishing industries, the laying of ocean cables, the proper construction 

 of harbor works, oceanic commerce and navigation, as well as long range 

 weather forecasting, are all dependent on our understanding of oceanic con- 

 ditions." THE LAST CRUISE OF THE CARNEGIE, 1928-1929 



Chapter VIII 



UNDERSTANDING AND SURVEYING 

 THE OCEAN ENVIRONMENT 



If use of the ocean's resources is to increase significantly in this century, in 

 the recovery of major fishery and mineral resources, for example, and if 

 knowledge is to be gained to enable accurate forecasts of such weather 

 phenomena as droughts, floods, storms, and hurricanes, then greater effort 

 must be made to explore, measure and map the seas. 



We include within this chapter two different sets of observations of the 

 marine environment : those that lead to maps and data files, and those needed 

 for prediction of environmental variables that change rapidly with time. 



As to environmental predictions, better knowledge of air-sea interaction 

 processes should lead to more precise and longer range forecasts of weather 

 and storms, waves, ice, tsunamis,^ tides, coastal surf and currents, storm 

 surges, and ocean temperatures. These will : 



— benefit national defense and expanding marine industrial activities; 

 — reduce the destruction of life and property in the Coastal Zone; 

 — lead to improvements in design and safety of coastal and off-shore 

 facilities, including harbors, sea walls, breakwaters, and oil drilling 

 platforms ; 

 — enhance industrial, commercial, agricultural, and other land 

 activities, such as building construction, air and sea transportation, 

 and recreation, that are directly affected by weather and coastal 

 oceanic conditions; 



^ Seismic sea waves. 



101 



