THE NAVY OCEAN SCIENCE PROGRAM 37 



elements. Somewhat systematic variations in heat-flow rate 

 have been observed in different types of oceanic structures. 

 On ocean ridges the heat-flow rate is usually two to six times 

 the average oceanic value; in ocean trenches the value is below 

 average. The importance of this program to the Navy is indirect, 

 in that its results aid in the interpretation of submarine geo- 

 logical structure. Another indirect benefit is the measurement 

 of temperatures of bottom waters that has come from the tem- 

 perature sensors used in this work. This program is clearly 

 an adjiuict to other continuing geophysical programs and will 

 be continued as such. 



OCEANIC BIOLOGY 



The biology and ecology of organisms affect such Navy prob- 

 lems as fouling and deterioration of equipment, man-in-the-sea 

 experiments, acoustic propagation, and others. The nature of 

 these organisms, their effect and control, and prediction of their 

 distribution seasonally and geographically is needed to prevent 

 or minimize adverse effects on Navy operations. Work conducted 

 or supported by the Navy is concentrated on organisms and 

 environments of particular interest. 



As result of investigations made on fouling, biological de- 

 terioration, and corrosion, it is now possible to predict the rates 

 and kinds of infestations that occur in waters of known properties 

 and in particular geographic regions. Worldwide collections are 

 made of marine boring and fouling organisms. Active and 

 destructive boring organisms appear to be abundantly present, 

 even at depths of 2000 meters, and fouling organisms were 

 obtained in deeper waters than expected. Test results in one 

 deep area show that bacterial slime attaches to most plastics 

 and ropes; that marine organisms cause deterioration of cotton 

 and manila ropes; that moUuscan borers attack wood panels and 

 manila ropes; that some marine organisms cause deterioration 

 of cable insulating material; and that untreated wood is sus- 

 ceptible to total biological deterioration. Materials that have 

 shown little or no biological deterioration include various t5T)es 

 of rubber, nylon, Teflon cable insulation, and glass. 



