of data becoming available from conventional and satellite-borne instrumentation.

Video displays and photographs from Tiros, Nimbus, ESSA, Advanced Technology Satellite 1, Gemini, and other satellites have already shown that ocean currents, ice masses, estuary flow, and sea

space (Fig. 17). Manned orbital spacecraft may offer additional possibilities for onboard photography and data analysis of oceanographic atmospheric phenomena.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is cooperating with the U.S. Navy via the ICO in organizing a "spacecraft oceanography project" whose purpose is to assess and develop the feasibility of space research and technology to marine sciences. Similarly, NASA is continuing its cooperative efforts with ESSA in the development of improved spacecraft for global weather measurements.

Air-sea interaction studies have been recognized as key elements to meet requirements for environmental prediction. When we have the understanding to make such predictions, we will:

-have the capacity to make long-range weather forecasts;

-better understand the causes for fluctuations and motions of tropical storms and hurricanes;

-be able to develop improved techniques for prediction of devastating coastal inundations;

-predict the ice conditions over coastal and open ocean areas;

FIGURE 17.-View from Gemini IV of the north end of the Gulf of California

and marine weather phenomena which result when air masses move across land and ocean;

-predict the state of the ocean's temperature gradients;

-predict the time and space variations of the oceanic and nearshore currents.

In turn, these capabilities require: (1) development of instrumentation to measure the physical processes which take place at the interface of ocean and atmosphere, and (2) the mounting of controlled and comprehensive observational programs in well-defined areas to study the small-scale processes so that they can be related to the larger scale atmospheric and oceanic phenomena.

Oceanic Research

Complementary to air-sea interaction studies, it will be necessary to develop a further understanding of the dynamics of ocean current systems themselves; i.e., the relation of the ocean current systems to the physical state of the ocean, and the thermal and mechanical mechanisms and forces which drive the currents and cause their fluctuations in time and space. A comprehensive program to achieve such understanding will require observational studies of ocean current systems as well as the mathematical simulation of current systems. A prototype system for predicting environmental conditions concerned with antisubmarine warfare and submarine activities is in operation in the western part of the North Atlantic and a new dynamic prediction model for the system is being tested. This prototype could be the forerunner of an improved system with global coverage which will also provide data valuable both to naval and nondefense marine operations.

Because of the global nature of the phenomena being studied, synoptic observations are necessary, with stations optimally distributed in the oceans. A system of observation stations, including buoys, is essential for the implementation of the "World Weather Watch," an international effort recommended by the United Nations and in which the United States is planning to participate. Comprehensive World Weather Watch design studies are presently underway in the United States and other countries of the world, under the aegis of the World Meteorological Organization.

First steps are being undertaken toward examining the role of a variety of ocean data sensor vehicles in such an observation system. A Government-wide buoy systems study-managed by the U.S. Coast Guard-will include compilation and analysis of requirements of all agencies and scientific institutions. Information on existing and

analysis, a step-by-step plan for initial implementation of oceanographic-meteorological data gathering buoy systems will be prepared, together with associated research, development, and implementation plans.

Improving Prediction-New Areas of Emphasis

As part of an overall effort to improve environmental prediction, the Council has recommended that the following projects receive priority attention:

1. Initiation of a design study to determine which system, and which combination of marine sensors, platforms, and communication links, will best serve the needs of the Nation for long-range and reliable environmental predictions.

2. Improvement in marine weather service for:

-more rational, economical and safe rerouting of marine transport; -improved tracking and path prediction of severe storms and hurricanes for earlier and improved warnings to fishermen and Continental Shelf resource developers.

3. Improvement of ocean, surf and nearshore sea state predictions so that:

-sea and storm caused destruction of life and property in coastal communities can be reduced;

-the design and maintenance of offshore oil and gas rigs, harbors, sea walls, shoreline habitation developments, and other structures can be effected, with maximum economy and safety.

4. Implementation of improved Tsunami Warning Service so that: -longer range warnings can be given to ships or communities that may be threatened;

-a further understanding may be gained of the effects of seismic disturbances on the oceans, for possible long-range prediction of such disturbances.

5. Increased emphasis on air-sea interaction research studies and ocean circulation dynamics which will result in:

-the initiation during the next few years of the first of a series of increasingly comprehensive field programs of measurement and observation;

-increased use of computers for establishing more advanced models of ocean circulations and their interaction with the atmosphere; -development of new instrumentation and techniques.

The above priority items are important, but they are not the only elements of this program. While much of this program is centered

significant contributions from their ongoing programs. A key feature of the program will be the coordination with other projects and efforts, such as the data management study, the national Coast Guard-managed sensor platform and buoy study, and the work of international oceanographic and meteorological groups.