axis of the Gulf, a condition -whlcli Is most pronounced in the summer 

 months. The more recent data, available only for the northern por- 

 tion of the Gulf, produces a more east-west orientation of isollnesj 

 this is particularly apparent in the Fehruary-March I96O surface- 

 temperature and salinity analysis (Figures VI-9 through VI-I6), It 

 is not truly clear whether this geographic stratification within 

 the Persian Gulf is indicative of a seasonal change, a long-term 

 (decade) change, or a "bias occuring in sampling the area. 



This review of the existing information for the Persian Gulf, 

 I helieve, emphasizes the need to develop adequate data sampling 

 patterns. This and several other gulfs and lakes of the world of- 

 fer excellent model areas in which to conduct full-scale studies 

 in a "natural environmental laboratory." 



Certainly, a better understanding of some of the air- sea rela- 

 tionships can be obtained by instrumenting such bodies of water for 

 special studies; perhaps, initially, some more definitive values 

 for energy transfer between air and sea can be derived by using 

 "model-scale bodies of water" located at different latitudes. Other 

 mlcrostructure studies might be conducted simultaneously as well. 

 Following are some comparative areal figures for gulfs and lalaes 

 that might serve as models: 



WATER BODY AREA* 



(approximate) 



Persian Gulf 92,200 sq. miles 



Great Lakes (total). ...... 94,700 sq, miles 



Gulf of St. Lawrence 91,800 sq. miles 



Gulf of California 62,600 sq. miles 



Baltic Sea 163,000 sq. miles 



Hudson Bay 475, 80O sq. miles 



Lake Superior. ......... 31,800 sq, miles 



*Source : The World Almanac and Book of Facts, 

 New York World- Telegram and The Sun, 



The present day availability of improved oceanographic instru- 

 mentation and numbers of buoys, towers, and other platforms makes 

 a rigorous study of energy exchange for "model areas" entirely 

 feasible. Considering that many nations (and activities within 

 each) have an active interest in oceanographic (marine) studies, 

 perhaps a joint cooperative-comparative investigation could be 

 undertaken, with each conducting work in the closest adjacent areaj 

 thus costs would be kept reasonable. 



