Executive Summary 



Knowledge of the oceans and continental margins has expanded dramatically in recent years 

 bringing insights about the oceans and their role in the complex processes that govern the 

 nature and health of our planet. 



This Unified Plan is the product of a science that has matured extraordinarily during the past 

 decade and that is poised to address scientific questions of vital national interest. The Plan is 

 based on the following premises: 



• Progress in the ocean sciences requires a mix of fundamental research, including both 

 small projects and multidisciplinary large-scale research that connects the sciences of 

 the ocean, atmosphere, and solid earth. 



• Ocean sciences, together with the other geosciences, can expand our knowledge of the 

 interrelationships at work around the globe by describing how the component parts and 

 their interactions have evolved, how they function, and how they may be expected to 

 continue to evolve in the future. 



• Essential technologies and techniques to exploit the potential of the ocean sciences are 

 becoming available and proven, particularly earth/ocean observing satellites, computer 

 systems, and advanced methods and sampling systems. 



• The National Science Foundation, together with the academic ocean community, should 

 continue to craft long-range plans and strategies for ocean research that recognize 

 national scientific interests and that build upon a community consensus concerning 

 research trends and priorities. 



The Plan sets forth a unified approach for the Division of Ocean Sciences of the NSF. It 

 highlights, in three parts, a global program in oceanic and ocean iithospheric research. 



Section I describes the underlying need for an NSF-supported ocean science research 

 program that addresses priority global scale research initiatives and core programs of 

 research in the ocean science disciplines. 



Section II develops the unifying themes of the ocean sciences and presents a detailed 

 projection for the global interdisciplinary ocean sciences research programs and for the 

 fundamental core discipline-based research programs. It also details the vital importance of 

 support for an infrastructure of modern and efficient ships and platforms, advanced technology, 

 new equipment and facilities, and an aggressive international program in Ocean Drilling. The 

 essential ingredients are: 



• The Core Program - Priorities for this Core Program are outlined for the four 

 disciplinary aspects of the ocean sciences (i.e., biology, chemistry, geology and 

 geophysics, and physical oceanography), for the Ocean Drilling Program, and for advanced 

 programs in oceanographic technology. Further, Critical Needs are outlined for the future 

 in the core programs, including constructing and refitting research vessels for scientific 

 operations, facilities, new technology, post doctoral training, biotechnology and ODP 

 sample analyses. 



