Marine Science Affairs 



Figure XII-4 — As seen by the crew of Apollo 7 on October 15, 1968, the waters 

 around the islands of Socotra and The Brothers, caught in the sun's reflection, 

 reveal complex surface phenomenon impossible to obtain by ordinary means. 

 Situated just off the east African coast and north of one of the strongest upwelling 

 areas in the world, the islands form a deflective barrier to the northeastward move- 

 ment of the cold, upwelled water. The vortices, slicks, swells, and other lines which 

 are visible reveal current direction, internal waves, and regions of convergence and 

 divergence. Such information is invaluable in understanding the oceanography of 

 one of the world's largest undeveloped fishing regions. 



prepared by its Committee on Ocean Exploration and Environmental Serv- 

 ices. This plan is currently being refined and should serve as guidance to 

 agencies for the development of future Federal programs related to ocean ob- 

 servation and prediction. The plan identifies ongoing projects, present and 

 future requirements, and programs for strengthening and expanding current 

 activities. It is also expected to present the needs, benefits, program rationale 

 and strategy, implementation targets, and specific projects in five categories : 



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