to large-scale processes in the ocean, such as ocean 

 circulation, biological productivity, and sedimenta- 

 tion, have been guessed at but still remain obscure. 

 When will such knowledge be required? 



Other classes of chemical species that have been 

 studied in the last decade are the stable and 

 radioactive isotopes. The differences in the abund- 

 ances of the hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in the 

 ocean can be related to formation of water types 

 and oceanic circulation. Radioactivity can be used 

 to study oceanic processes because of its clocklike 

 nature. 



Numerous radioactive isotopes, both naturally 

 produced or man-made, have been used to eluci- 

 date the mechanisms of ocean water movement, 

 both in surface and deep waters, and the kinetics 

 of air-sea interaction. Scientists believe the pursuit 

 of such studies will teach more about the nature of 

 the oceans as a fluid. The applications of such 

 studies cannot be foreseen today; but no one 

 doubts that there will be applications. 



And what can the oceans tell us of climate? 

 Scientists today appreciate the profound influence 

 of the oceans upon the climates of the world; they 

 are just beginning to understand the coupling 

 between the oceans and the atmosphere, but they 

 do not fully understand how the influences are 

 propagated. A sound theory of climate would 

 account for ice ages of the past and possibly of the 

 future. 



A complete understanding of the ocean must 

 include the study of the remains which previous 

 civilizations have left us in the sea. New tech- 

 nology holds great promise for more efficient 

 underwater search: side scanning sonar, metal 

 detectors, and improved seismic and three dimen- 

 sional mapping techniques are already in use and 

 are being improved. 



If oceanography is the study of the sea in all its 

 aspects, then marine archeology, being the physi- 

 cal record of man and the sea, must be an essential 

 part of the discipline and should have visibility in 

 any comprehensive program. 



These questions— and others could as well be 

 propounded— go to the heart of our comprehen- 

 sion of the origin, dynamics, and changes in planet 

 Earth. The search for answers will be difficult, but 

 it will have lasting consequence for the Nation and 

 all humanity. It is a challenge that must be met 

 with a vigorous National program. 



"To probe the mysteries of the sea" was 

 identified by President Johnson as the first goal of 

 his proposal for an International Decade of Ocean 

 Exploration. Since science is inherently an inter- 

 national concern and the planetary oceans affect 

 and interest us all, it is appropriate that advances 

 in understanding the fundamental characteristics 

 of the ocean environment should be achieved as a 

 cooperative, international effort. The proposed 

 Decade is one mechanism by which a fruitful 

 program can be organized to achieve this.^ 



Recommendation: 



The Nation should establish as a major goal the 

 advancement of an understanding of the planetary 

 oceans as a principal focus for its basic marine 

 science effort. The proposal by President Johnson 

 for an International Decade of Ocean Exploration 

 is an excellent concept through which this major 

 goal can be achieved. 



International Decade of Ocean Exploration, Report 

 by the National Council on Marine Resources and 

 Engineering Development, 1968. 



1-23 



