(3) Investigations of geological structures underlying the Arctic 

 lands and polar seas as both potential mineral sites and hazards to con- 

 struction and resource development; 



(4) Comprehending the balance of the Arctic ecosystem; and 



(5) Experiments on the degradation of liquid and solid wastes under 

 Arctic conditions. 



Man's psychological and physiological capacities to adapt to this in- 

 hospitable environment also will receive increased attention. Consideration 

 will also be directed to formulating an overall policy framework for Arctic- 

 related activities. 



In support of this initiative and in view of the recent surge of commercial 

 activity in the Arctic and their continuing mission objectives 1 1 Federal 

 agencies are planning to expand or mount efforts of varied scope and in- 

 tensity in fields including engineering, meteorological and environmental 

 research, resource assessment and development, health and welfare, and 

 Arctic transportation. The National Science Foundation has been given 

 the lead agency responsibility for Arctic research programs. Of the $2 mil- 

 lion requested for new Arctic programs by NSF in support of the Arctic 

 initiative, $0.8 million would be funded for marine related activities. Federal 

 funding for Arctic environmental research is shown in table XI-1. 



Table XI-1 — Federal Research on Arctic Phenomena ^ 



[In thousands of dollars] 



1 This compilation is broader than marine sciences. Marine-related Arctic research will total approximately 

 $8 million in FY 1971. 



In 1969, the Corps of Engineers through its Cold Regions Research and 

 Engineering Laboratory pursued its program of studies into ice mechanics, 

 including ice forces on marine structures and ships, investigation into tech- 



147 



