NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM LEGISLATION 211 



the extended functions. You are invited to send us a proposal on this study. We 

 want to ascertain particularly the benefits, both present and potential, of hydro- 

 graphic and ocean study programs, as well as future requirements, and whether 

 our present facilities and ships used for this purpose are excessive or inadequate. 

 In order for this study to be utilized, we must have a final draft report by mid- 

 August, 1965. If you are interested in being considered for this work, please 

 submit your proposal in at least four copies, within 2 weeks. 



With the above objectives in mind, we would like to call your attention to the 

 following enclosed materials which summarize scientific and technological 

 activities of this agency : 



(1) The Coast and Geodetic Survey ; its Products and Services (U.S. Dept. 

 of Commerce Publication 10-2, 1965). 



(2) Coast and Geodetic Survey Programs and Objectives (Sept. 15, 1964). 



(3) Need for Comprehensive Goeanographic Project on the Continental 

 Shelf and Margin. 



Keep in mind that our focus for this study is the analysis of the needs for 

 Continental Shelf Surveys with associated oceanographic research, also the 

 determination of whether our present facilities and ships used for this purpose 

 are adequate. 



There should be a determination of economic benefits both direct and indirect 

 of the scientific and technical activities of the Coast and Geodetic Survey re- 

 lating to the Continental Shelf. We would expect some analysis of costs in 

 relation to benefits. Through inventory of the current and proposed work of 

 the Bureau, the study should outline the avenues for translation into economic 

 development. This would require intensive study and evaluation of each part 

 of the inventory and its relationship to industrial and commercial development. 



Some attention would be given to the priority for development with suggested 

 timetables. Locational factors would receive appropriate attention. Consid- 

 eration would also be given to other near-term economic prospects for the 

 development of resources through the Bureau services. There would be recog- 

 nition of the coordination with Federal Government agencies. Also of concern 

 would be the relationship with State economic development agencies and ocean- 

 ographic institutions and the efforts of private scientific foundations and uni- 

 versity programs. Progress reports would be expected on a monthly basis. 



Your proposal should also include (a) sources and methods of gathering 

 information, (6) breakdown of time and cost estimates, and (c) qualifications of 

 personnel to be engaged on the project. 

 Sincerely yours, 



(Signed) H. Arnold Kaeo, 

 Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Director. 



Need foe Comprehet^sive Oceanographic Project on the Continental Shbxf 



AND Margin 



The first step in the exploration and development of any geographical area 

 for cultural, industrial, or scientific purpose is the adequate mapping of that 

 area. Virgin areas are usually explored and mapped on a reconnaissance basis 

 at first, and they are subsequently explored and mapped in detail, as civiliza- 

 tion expands geographically and becomes enriched with knowledge of and 

 use of our planet. We are now reaching out into our solar system with 

 initial explorations, yet we have explored very little of the ocean areas and 

 have only begun to unlock the secrets of our continental lands extending seaward 

 from the coastline to the abyssal plains of the adjoining ocean basins. 



This inner band is a continental structure with a cap of consolidated sedi- 

 ments eroded from high places or precipitated in shallow seas. The great 

 heaving, folding, thrusting, warping, subsiding, erosion and sedimentation of 

 the underwater lands as well as the lands above the sea have created varied 

 conditions which cannot be adequately determined by extrapolations from the 

 elevated lands. Furthermore, the sea environment, its life and natural re- 

 sources, is individualistic and it can be known only by competent oceanographic 

 exploration and study in situ. 



The explorations require a comprehensive mapping of the submarine topog- 

 raphy by conducting engineered surveys, and the observation and collection 

 of various data properly coordinated with the primary survey. The various 

 data are categorized as physical, chemical, or geological oceanography, and 



