XXil REPORT OF THE COUNCIL, 1920-21. 
all of them require investigation, and bear, directly or indirectly, upon the 
harvest of the sea for man’s use, just as agricultural researches bear upon the 
harvest of the land. 
(2) In the appropriate departments of chemistry observations are required 
on the temperature, salinity and chemistry of sea-water, the hydrogen-ion 
concentration, and the source and distribution of nitrogen in the sea. 
(3) In the department of physics there is need for investigation of 
meteorological problems, the distribution of oceanic temperature, atmospheric 
electricity, long-distance transmission of electro-magnetic waves, and other 
problems of wireless telegraphy at sea. The study of the variation in the 
force of gravity over the great ocean basins is also suggested, and bears 
upon the problem of the figure of the earth, and the density of materials of 
which it is composed. It may be stated here that such an investigation 
might need to be carried out on a larger and steadier ship than that which 
would most probably be detailed for the expedition. On the other hand, 
there is no reason why the whole of the investigations associated with the 
expedition should be confined to a single vessel, for the opportunity might 
be made for collateral investigations on other vessels in the ordinary course 
of navigation. Similarly, the investigation of the phenomena of tides, one 
of the most urgent on the physical side, could most profitably be begun in 
shallow seas, and not on the vessel carrying the main expedition over the 
deep oceans. 
(4) In the departments of geology and geography there are indicated as 
subjects for study both shallow and deep water deposits, and the various 
methods of deposition ; sediments on the sea-bottom in relation to the move- 
ment (rising or sinking) of adjacent land areas (a matter which in turn bears 
upon the encroachments of the sea upon the land, or the reverse) ; borings 
on the floor of the sea for the extension of knowledge of the rocks composing 
the crust of the earth; the physical conditions of oceanic islands; the growth 
and other problems of coral reefs and islands. 
(5) In the department of anthropology it is pointed out that the oppor- 
tunity for landing parties on oceanic islands (especially in the Pacific) would 
give occasion for observations on the ethnography, habits, and life of native 
populations; any medical officer attached to such parties would find matter 
for study in the physical characters and diseases of natives. 
It is not suggested that the foregoing summary by any means covers a com- 
plete list of the problems of the ocean requiring investigation, nor on the other 
hand that these need all be undertaken by one expedition; but they are sufficient 
to show that there is still much to be found out in all branches of oceanography, 
and that a further scientific exploration of the oceans will add to knowledge 
in many branches of science, and should also aid in the advancement of various 
industries based upon marine products cf economic importance. 
It may be desirable to refer to the relations between the work of such an 
expedition as is here proposed—work which, while temporary in character would 
be world-wide in scope—and that carried on under the International Council for 
the Study of the Sea in the North Atlantic and adjoining European seas. This 
latter work, while restricted in scope, is permanent, and the proposed oceano- 
graphic expedition covers a wider range in science, and would offer an unsur- 
passable opportunity of qualifying investigators to take part in future oceano- 
graphical and fisheries research under a permanent organisation. 
