243 



The answers to these problems will give us more effective weapons 

 against the hurricane; assist in modeling the ocean-atmosphere sys- 

 tem toward better understanding of drought and other large-scale 

 phenomena; tell us more about the genesis and propagation of 

 tsunamis ; assist in development of satellite instrumentation for global 

 observation of environmental parameters from space and near-space; 

 and aid in development of advanced sensing and telemetering tech- 

 niques — all vital, practical items toward the advancement of our uses 

 of the sea. 



The full or partial solution of the several elements of the research 

 problem will lead to the development of applied teclmiques for one of 

 our highest priority activities, the development of a global environ- 

 mental prediction system. To this end, we must consider not only 

 oceanic parameters but the physical interactions with earth and air. 



I have already mentioned the plans for an extensive field program 

 for the study of the interactions between ocean and atmosphere. It 

 will involve the use of manj^ ships, buoys, aircraft to acquire the 

 measurements of the manner in which energy is transferred between 

 the two physical systems and represents the focal problem that must 

 be solved if we are to better predict ocean and w^eather conditions. 



ESSA has also been developing numerical models of the earth's 

 atmosphere and oceans. A six-level ocean circulation model now can 

 incorporate the effects of temperature and wind variations. The utility 

 of such models in predicting feedback effects on hurricane formation 

 and storm developments and modification are exciting to contemplate. 



Another theoretical study with direct practical application is con- 

 cerned with the storm surge phenomenon. This destructive and ab- 

 normal rise of water at a coastline is induced by storms at sea and in- 

 fluenced by the normal tidal motions and the bottom topography. 

 From these studies it has been possible to develop nomograms that 

 give a preliminary objective forecast. 



Eesearch on tides is a major part of our mission. ESSA researchers 

 haA^e developed a new method for predicting tides in shallow water, 

 resulting in markedly improved predictions in widely dispersed 

 locations. 



ESSA's open ocean tide program is planned to comprise the prin- 

 cipal part of our Nation's contribution to the international deep sea 

 tide program. It is a departure from tradition. In the past, tidal 

 measurements have been restricted to coastlines and islands. Now, 

 with advances in instrumentation, platforms, and data processing, 

 open ocean measurements are feasible. 



The marine environment is not limited to the ocean. The Great 

 Lakes also are included. In that region, wind-generated waves present 

 a problem in the safety and economy of shipping operations, and our 

 research is directed to a solution of this problem, also. 



This is a brief description of ESSA's present and planned efforts in 

 support of the Federal program in marine sciences — a field of tremen- 

 dous importance to people of our Nation. 



Before I finish, I would like to change hats for a moment to take 

 this opportunity to inform this committee of progress which has been 

 made by the newly formed Marine Council Committee on Ocean Ex- 

 ploration and Environmental Service, which the Vice President has 



