86 THE NAVY OCEAN SCIENCE PROGRAM 



the Navy also profits by contributions of industry to such tech- 

 nology. 



WEATHER PREDICTION 



The importance of the role of the oceans in the global weather 

 picture is well recognized. The Navy Ocean Science Program 

 supports studies of atmospheric weather and its prediction 

 through consideration of air-sea interaction, measurements 

 of surface temperature, studies of heat budget, studies of ocean 

 currents, and the development of sensors which telemeter 

 relevant oceanographic and meteorological information from 

 buoys anchored at remote locations. 



Another type of "weather" lies within the ocean itself, charac- 

 terized by ocean currents and temperature distribution. This 

 "weather" affects ship operations, diving and salvage opera- 

 tions, resource exploitations, underwater habitation, erosion, 

 underwater communications, marine pollution, biological 

 activity and abundance, and atmospheric weather. The investiga- 

 tion of this type of "weather," which affects military and civilian 

 interests alike, represents a major emphasis of the Navy Ocean 

 Science Program, 



PUBLIC HEALTH AND RECREATION 



The programs in the Navy Ocean Science Program concerning 

 near-shore currents and the effects of these currents and wave 

 action are also of interest to the preservation of recreational 

 beach areas and the understanding of mechanism of the sea 

 in carrying off sewage effluents. A relatively modest program of 

 marine chemistry provides useful information on contaminants, 

 such as lead, in the sea and the effects of such pollution on 

 marine life, including game fish and commercial fish. Studies 

 of the habits of sharks can lead to better protection of beach 

 recreational areas as well as to the safety of military and civilian 

 personnel working or attempting to survive in shark-infested 

 waters. The programs which support sea-surface predictions will 

 contribute to the safety of small recreational craft. 



