ADVANCEMENT OF MARINE SCIENCES 23 



How the oceans and the atmosphere combine in weathermaking 

 through a mutual interchange of energies was told in testimony of two 

 eminent oceanographers at the hearings on S. 901 as reported earlier 

 in this report. 



Dr. Francis W. Reichelderfer, Chief of the Bureau, gave similar 

 testimony last year before the Subcommittee on Oceanography of the 

 House of Representatives. He said in part: 



The interplay between the atmosphere and the ocean is so 

 intimate that the atmosphere and ocean can be considered as 

 one medium, separated by a discontinuity in density and 

 velocity. 



The exchange of heat, mositure, momentum, gases (such 

 as carbon dioxide and oxygen), and certain chemical ele- 

 ments (such as sodium, chlorine, potassimn, calcium, and 

 magnesium) has profound influence on the subsequent be- 

 havior of the atmosphere and ocean. In supplying the 

 atmosphere, the oceans serve as a warehouse of nearly infinite 

 capacity for heat, moisture, and other properties. In turn, 

 the faster moving atmosphere supphes the oceans, particu- 

 larly the top la^^ers, with much of their momentum. 



Dr. Reichelderfer lu-ged intensified meteorological research as 

 follows: 



1. Investigations mth regard to the exchange of heat, water vapor 

 momentmn, chemicals, and other properties across the atmosphere- 

 ocean interface. 



2. Study of the "feedback" mechanism whereby unusual weather 

 conditions produce unusual sea conditions, particularly temperature 

 changes, and the manner in which these, in turn, subsequently intro- 

 duce atmospheric changes such as variations in path and intensity 

 of storms. 



3. Investigation of the various mechanisms contributing to a piling 

 up of water against coasts during hurricanes and other severe wind- 

 storms; improvement of storm-tide warning services now in operation 

 along the Atlantic and gulf coasts, and their extension to the Great 

 Lakes and other coastal area. 



4. Study of coastal weather with particular emphasis on harbor 

 and estuarine forecasting for nuclear-powered ships, where release of 

 nuclear effluents, either by accident or design, might become serious 

 for coastal communities. 



Elsewhere, Dr. Reichelderfer said that "eventually 400 additional 

 selected merchant vessels should be equipped for sm'face weather 

 observations," and that "there ai'e huge gaps in om* observations of 

 the oceans and the atmosphere over the oceans — -gaps so large that 

 the entire area of the United States could be 'lost' in the wide open 

 spaces of some regions." He commended the report and objectives 

 of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Oceanography. 



Statutory responsibihty is placed on the Weather Bureau to record 

 and describe the climates of the oceans, but the Bureau has been 

 handicapped in meeting this responsibihty by lack of funds for neces- 

 saiy instrumentation. 



Yet the studies are so important in this scientific age that the 

 Office of Naval Research (through contracts ^vith institutions), the 

 Navy Hydrographic Office, and the Bm'eau of Ships are undertaking 

 them. 



