"Basic research is the cornerstone on which the successful use of the sea must 



rest.' JOHN F. KENNEDY 



Chapter X 



SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 



Realization of the potential benefits of the sea discussed throughout the 

 report depends on a strong core of scientific research. Yesterday's studies to 

 increase understanding of the ocean have made possible explicit achieve- 

 ments today. In recent years we have seen dramatic examples of the direct 

 payoff of research reflected in such endeavors as our naval capabilities, 

 weather prediction services, and off-shore oil production. While all of the 

 benefits in the 1970's and 1980's which will result from current research 

 programs are not predictable, the demands on the marine environment are 

 certain to grow. We have learned from experience in many other fields that 

 we will be able to respond to those demands only if a vigorous base of 

 science is maintained. 



That the successful attainment of marine science goals depends on classical 

 scientific and engineering fields is portrayed in Table X.l. Also shown are 

 examples of gaps in present knowledge. The Table subdivides each purpose 

 into smaller tasks for accomplishment and shows that many areas of marine 

 sciences have application to more than one purpose. Physical oceanography, 

 for example, has relevance to all the purposes. While the Table is not in- 

 intended to be comprehensive, it provides a broad framework for relating 

 research programs to explicit needs ; it may thus serve as a qualitative guide 

 to research content discussed in other chapters. The Table does not, of course, 

 reflect the institutional vehicles essential for the successful transfer of scientific 

 discoveries to practical needs. But the contributions of science derived mainly 

 from university research are important equally to Government and to 

 industry. 



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