26 THE NAVY OCEAN SCIENCE PROGRAM 



The study of ocean surface waves within the Navy Ocean 

 Science Program covers the spectrum from capillary waves to 

 tidal waves. Capillary waves produce sea clutter on radar sys- 

 tems besides playing a role in the generation of wind waves. 

 Their properties, including their directional spectra, are being 

 determined. 



The theoretical problems of the growth, propagation, and decay 

 of wind waves are subjects of continued intensive investigate" on. 

 An understanding of wind-generated surface waves is necessary 

 for almost all naval operations involving surface ships, for they 

 adversely aifect aircraft-carrier operations, refueling and re- 

 plenishment, and the transit of ships across the oceans. From 

 the viewpoint of sonar systems, they produce unwanted noise 

 and, in addition, scatter the acoustic energy used for the detection 

 of submarines. Our ability to predict the wave field of the ocean 

 has increased subst£intially in recent years. Attempts are being 

 made to remove some of the empiricism that still remains in the 

 prediction of the growth of the wind-wave spectra and to develop 

 better understanding of the mechanism of wave generation, 

 through a combined theoretical laboratory and field eflFort. 



The study and prediction of tides in the open ocean also is 

 included in the Navy Ocean Science Program. Instruments 

 developed for measuring minute fluctuations in pressure at 

 the sea floor have enabled scientists to embark on a project 

 to resolve the local tidal variation in sea level. At the same 

 time, a new interest in the possibility of obtaining numerical 

 solutions for the tidal oscillations within ocean basins has 

 developed. Studies of the ocean energetics and of internal waves 

 also make it clear that the tidal oscillations are important modes 

 of ocean motion. 



CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY 



Knowledge of the chemistry of the marine environment is 

 required in support of long-range weather prediction, undersea 

 warfare, man-in-the-sea projects, use of deep-submergence 

 vehicles, preservation of materials, and radiological safety. 



