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WHAT IS OCEANOGKAPHYV 



At this point it is well to consider what oceanography is. What is there about 

 oceanography that makes it so important to man? 



Oceanography or marine science or oceanology (for they are synonymous as 

 used here) is the study of the oceans and their tributaries and their processes. 

 It is not a basic discipline like physics, biology or chemistry but an interdis- 

 ciplinary science like geology or meteorology — a science of a large natural sys- 

 tem, the oceans. 



Scientists interested in phenomena of the marine environment, in the oceans, 

 their shallow seas and tributaries are called oceanographers. Because of the 

 interdisciplinary nature of this field, oceanographers must be able to work in 

 several areas or with specialists from other areas of science. Those interested 

 in biological processes in the sea, or the interrelations between environment and 

 marine life are called biological oceanographers. Marine fishery scientists are 

 specialized biological oceanographers. Chemical oceanographers study the chemi- 

 cals and the chemical processes in sea water. Geological oceanographers examine 

 the interrelations between sea and sediments and sea and the shores and bottoms. 

 Meterological oceanographers study interactions between atmosphere and oceans, 

 e.g., the relationships between wind and water. Physical oceanographers study 

 the nature and movements of water masses, tides, currents and waves from the 

 viewpoint of the water, itself. Together, all strive to understand and build a 

 picture of that great mass of salt water that covers 71 per cent of our space 

 ship — Earth. Thus, oceanography is a unified science — unified not because it is a 

 basic discipline but because the sea, itself, is a single huge system of water, 

 bottom, shore, air and marine life which must be considered as a whole. 



Oceanographers are assisted and accompanied in their studies and subsequent 

 practical activities by marine or ocean technologists of many types. Many kinds 

 of applied scientists and engineers are involved in marrying scientific facts from 

 oceanographic research with engineering principles to produce techniques to 

 help society live with, use and preserve the resources of the sea. 



Man has used the sea. As population and industry grow, distances shrink and 

 communications increase, this dependence will increase. Because of the close 

 relationship between the oceans and man because of the utility of the bottoms, 

 waters, shores, life and chemicals of the isea, oceanography clearly is closely 

 coupled with society. Hence, basic research and applied research on the phe- 

 nomena Qif the oceans will usually be put to use, quickly. 



As predicted hy Maury and others, the science of oceanography has proven of 

 great use to the country in its development. It will be even more useful in the 

 future. The great growth of activity in the field isince World War II has been 

 prompted by belated realization of this fact. 



VIRGINIA'S OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM 



In the wake of interest produced by the National Academy of Science-National 

 Research Council Report (by its Committee on Oceanography) entitled, "Ocean- 

 ography 1960-1970", increasing activity has occurred in all areas of marine 

 science. Many private and public institutions have established new programs or 

 enlarged existing activities in the field. Of late, added stress has been placed 

 on the more applied or practical asi>ects of marine science and to the need for 

 coordinated efforts in the field. 



In this scientific movement toward the sea, Virginia has been a leader. The 

 historical, economic, social and political importance of Maritime Virginia (the 

 33 tidewater counties which contain 60 percent of the people, three of the largest 

 urban complexes and much of the commerce and industry of the state) has 

 prompted the General Assembly and executive officers of the Commonwealth to 

 establish a major, state-supported coordinated program of research, service and 

 education in marine science and engineering — the Virginia Institute of Marine 

 Science. Under provisions of Chapter 9, Title 28 of the Code, sometimes called 

 the "Oceanographic Law of Virginia," the duties and responsibilities of the 

 program are as follows : 



"(a) To conduct studies and investigations of all phases of the seafood and 

 commercial fishing and sport fishing industries; 



"(b) To consider means by which fisheries resources may be conserved, de- 

 veloped and replenished and to advise the Commission of Fisheries and other 

 agencies and private groups on these matters ; 



