453 



2 miles, oceanographers are beginning to study these pictures to deter- 

 mine what, if any, use can be made of this kind of data in studying 

 the ocean and its interfaces, interfaces with the land and with the air. 

 For instance, preliminary study of one of these pictures indicates that 

 differences may be apparent in the coloration of the ocean near the 

 mouth of the Amazon River which may prove to be related to the 

 effluent from the river. While the Gulf Stream is not apparent in this 

 picture consideration is being given to the desirability of introducing 

 mert dyes into this as well as other major ocean currents to study their 

 short term as well as long term behavior from synchronous orbit. This, 

 however, is still in the speculative stage, as our experience in synchro- 

 nous orbit with imagery of moderate resolution, on the order of 1 or 

 2 miles, is less than a year old. 



It is apparent to us that significantly greater resolution will be neces- 

 sary to pennit the optimum use of synchronous satellites to study the 

 oceans and aid marine science. We have research and development ef- 

 forts underway in this area, however, and our present capabilities as 

 represented by this chart do provide excellent information on the 

 weather patterns over the oceans and thus provide an opportunity to 

 learn a great deal about the interchange of energy between the oceans 

 and the atmosphere. 



At the completion of my statement, Mr. Chairman, we do have a 

 very short 3-minute film clip which shows the changing pattern which 

 occui's in the course of 1 day as one views the hemisphere from above 

 the South American Continent. This might be of interest to the com- 

 mittee. 



Of perhaps more immediate practical benefit is our experience with 

 imaging devices on our research and development weather satellites, 

 Gemini spacecraft and research and development aircraft. Based on 

 analyses of data received from these missions, we have summarized the 

 potential areas for oceanographic observation by spacecraft on this 

 next chart— SA67-15458. 



I am sure all the items on this chart are familiar to you, Mr. Chair- 

 man, and members of the committee. 



There are three distinct aspects of this activity. As the starting 

 point, photographs and images returned by such satellites as Nimbus, 

 Tiros, and Gemini are being analyzed to assess their oceanographic 

 value. The second facet of the program is directed at preliminary de- 

 velopment and evaluation of new remote sensors installed in aircraft. 

 Finally, we are studying satellite systems and configuration specific- 

 ally for possible earth resources survey missions. This is as I indicated 

 at the start of my statement. 



Thus far these studies have indicated that satellite photography and 

 infrared imagery can provide wide coverage, great perspective, and 

 rapid repetition of oceanographic phenomena measurements. While 

 no other technique can produce such data, it must be recognized that, 

 in general, optical techniques are liniited to cloudless areas. Of course, 

 repetitious clouds may indicate special ocean conditions which control 

 these clouds. Major ocean currents, shoals, coastal and near shore fea- 

 tures, are some of the apparent phenomena amenable to such clear 

 weather sensing. For example, as shown in the chart — SA67-15431 — 

 data from the Nimbus high-resolution infrared radiometer have, on 



