10 
the sea requires that these distributions first be described 
on an ocean-wide scale as planned by Ocean Surveys. Complete 
knowledge of the complex interactions between the sea and 
the atmosphere will be gained only after the pertinent oceano- 
graphic and meteorological data have been obtained. The 
understanding of the interrelationships of marine organisms 
to each other and to the physical and chemical properties of 
the marine environment depends upon the availability of 
information on the distribution of the organisms and of the 
pertinent properties. The understanding of the geological, 
geochemical, and geophysical nature of the sea floor neces- 
sitates that additional data in these fields be obtained. 
The Ocean Survey Plan cannot of itself solve these basic 
scientific problems, but through careful planning in con- 
junction with the non-governmental scientific commmity these 
surveys can provide the maximum scientific information to the 
basic research scientist, information that is absolutely essen- 
tial to his solution of these problems. 
12. Finally there is the totally unpredictable discovery of 
new basic concepts that will inevitably come from the accumu- 
lation of data produced by an accurate and thorough program 
of Ocean Surveys. 
In addition to providing the framework within which 
these objectives can be attained, the Ocean Survey Plan will 
also provide for the following: 
i. Publication of results 
Cae Standardization of data-reporting on forms provided hy 
