6. Reflectivity and transparency of the ocean to electromag- 

 netic energy; 



7. Configuration and composition of the ocean bottom; 



8. Habits and distribution of organisins within the sea; 



9. Variations in the chemical and physical properties of sea 

 water; and 



10. The gravitational field. 



Basic requirements for oceanographic publications for stra- 

 tegic planning and as a source of general information for use in 

 developing weapons systems have been met by various studies and 

 publications of the Hydrographic Office. These generally deal with 

 mean conditions and in some instances, variations from these 

 means. The more demanding problem of determining and docu- 

 menting more exactly the variations and interrelationships of the 

 oceanographic elements will require considerable effort. This is 

 particularly true for the subsurface regions of the oceans. More 

 sophisticated applications of oceanographic knowledge to the 

 development of systems and tactics, as well as more precise 

 forecasting of oceanographic changes, are dependent upon this 

 work. It cannot be accomplished without a sustained serious 

 effort by competent oceanographers. This constitutes one of the 

 primary challenges for the Navy during the next decade. It will 

 require improvements in our facilities for collecting, processing, 

 and analyzing data rapidly. 



At first glance, the task of adequately surveying all of the 

 oceans of the world appears overwhelming. However, practical 

 bounds can be established by coupling our sixrvey plans to our stu- 

 dy of the interrelationships and variability of the oceanographic 

 elements. An appraisal must be made of the significance of these 

 variations in the employment of naval weapons and tactics. For 

 this work, also, a sustained effort is required, supported by ships 

 designed, instrumented, and operated for this purpose. 



In addition to publications directly related to military opera- 

 tions, the Hydrographic Office, as the primary center of applied 

 oceanographic activity in the United States Government, publishes 

 general oceanographic information. Variation of oceanographic 



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