REAL-TIME CCEANOGRAPHIC DATA FOR OCEANOGRAPHIC PREDICTION 



Kennard M. Palfrey, Jr. 



U. S. Coast Guard Oceanographic Unit 



Washington, D. C. 



The need for oceanographic forecasting Is manifold and 

 certainly well recognized. In the field of military oceanography, 

 particularly, oceanographic prediction Is of paramount Importance. 



The ability to describe and predict ocean phenomena under 

 any scheme depends In part upon time-series observations at selected 

 control points. 



Ever since the Ocean Stations were established during 

 World War II, their potential for the collection of synoptic oceano- 

 graphic data together with synoptic meteorological data has been 

 recognized. During Its first session, In 1962, the Intergovernmental 

 Oceanographic Commission emphasised the value of the Ocean Station 

 vessels for monitoring oceanographic conditions and recommemded that 

 fuller use be made of their potential. The Ocean Station vessels, 

 which are normally required to maintain station within a ten-mile 

 square centered on each ocean station, afford opportune platforms 

 for time-series observations. Consequently, when oceanography was 

 added to the statutory functions of the U. S. Coast Guard, In 1962, 

 Immediate attention was given to the development of this oceano- 

 graphic potential. 



The high endurance cutters which had been routinely occu- 

 pying the six U. S. operated Ocean Stations had been making meteoro- 

 logical and bathythermograph observations for years. Since passage of 

 the 1962 law, thirty-one cutters, all those performing ocean station 

 duty, have been equipped with oceanographic laboratories, oceano- 

 graphic winches and related equipment to provide a basic Nansen cast 

 capability. 



Four classes of high endurance cutters are employed in the 

 occupation of the four North Atlantic and two North Pacific Ocean 

 Stations operated by the U. S. Coast Guard. These are the 327' 



121 



