This book describes the development of ocean sciences over the past 50 years, highlighting the contributions of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to the field's progress. Many of the individuals who participated in the exciting discoveries in biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, and marine geology and geophysics describe in the book how the discoveries were made possible by combinations of insightful individuals, new technology, and in some cases, serendipity.

In addition to describing the advance of ocean science, the book examines the institutional structures and technology that made the advances possible and presents visions of the field's future. This book is the first-ever documentation of the history of NSF’s Division of Ocean Sciences, how the structure of the division evolved to its present form, and the individuals who have been responsible for ocean sciences at NSF as “rotators” and career staff over the past 50 years.

Contents

• PREFACE
• KEYNOTE LECTURE
  • The Emergence of the National Science Foundation as a Supporter of Ocean Sciences in the United States
    • Abstract
    • Ship Support
    • Big Programs
• LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS OF OCEAN SCIENCES
  • Achievements in Biological Oceanography
    • Introduction
    • Procedure
    • Two Wonderful Accidents: Vents and Ocean Color
    • Four Specific Breakthroughs
    • Individual Investigators Versus Teams
    • The Most Far Reaching Achievement
    • Two New Avenues to Understanding
    • Epilogue
  • Achievements in Chemical Oceanography
    • Preface
    • Introduction
    • Chemical Oceanography Prior to 1950
    • The 1960s and Into the Early 1970s
    • The 1970s to the 1990s
    • The Relationship Between Chemistry, Geology, Physics, and Chemical Oceanography/Marine Geochemistry
    • The Support and Enabling People
    • Concluding Comments
    • Dedication
    • Acknowledgments
    • References
  • Achievements in Physical Oceanography
    • Abstract
    • Theology of a "Steady" Ocean
    • Understanding Variability
    • The Climate Revolution
    • The Technology Revolution
    • Closing Remarks
    • Acknowledgments
  • Achievements in Marine Geology and Geophysics
    • Abstract
    • Introduction
    • MG&G in the PRE-NSF Era
    • The Early Days of NSF
    • The Three Institutions
    • The Two Revolutions
    • The Ascendance of NSF Support
    • Epilogue
    • Acknowledgments
    • References
  • Deep Submergence: The Beginnings of ALVIN as a Tool of Basic Research and Introduction of Featured Speaker Dr. Robert D. Ballard
  • The History of Woods Hole's Deep Submergence Program
    • Abstract
    • The Early Years of ALVIN
    • Project FAMOUS—The First Comprehensive Use of Manned Submersibles in a Major Science Program
    • The Discovery of Hydrothermal Vents and the Acceptance of ALVIN by the Scientific Estate
    • ALVIN Becomes a Routine Tool in Marine Research
    • References
• CREATING INSTITUTIONS TO MAKE SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES POSSIBLE
  • A Chronology of the Early Development of Ocean Sciences at NSF
    • Introduction
    • In the Beginning
    • The Beginnings of Big Oceanography
    • The Era of Rapid Evolution
    • The Emergence of the Division of Ocean Sciences
    • A Mature Science
    • References
  • Ocean Sciences at the National Science Foundation: Early Evolution
  • Ocean Sciences at the National Science Foundation: An Administrative History
    • Abstract
    • Current NSF Organization for the Ocean Sciences
    • The 1950s, NSF's First Decade of Individual Investigator Support: Ocean Scientists Seek a Niche
    • The 1960s: NSF Ocean Research in the Wake of the IGY
    • The 1970s: Another Watershed
    • The 1980s: A Time of Consolidation—Ocean Sciences Incorporate Large-scale Research and Ocean Drilling
    • Conclusions
  • Two Years of Turbulence Leading to a Quarter Century of Cooperation: The Birth of UNOLS
    • Abstract
    • UNOLS and the Fleet
    • UNL to NOLS to UNOLS
    • UNOLS
    • Acknowledgments
    • References
  • Scientific Ocean Drilling, from AMSOC to COMPOST
    • Abstract
    • The Mohole Project
    • LOCO and the Birth of JOIDES
    • D/V Caldrill on the Blake Plateau
    • DSDP and D/V Glomar Challenger
    • Detour: The Ocean Margin Drilling Program
    • JOIDES Resolution and ODP: A New Ship and a New Management
    • Scientific Milestones: Results That Changed Our Way of Thinking
    • The Future
    • Acknowledgments
    • References
  • Technology Development for Ocean Sciences at NSF
    • Abstract
    • Technology Via Support for Major Facilities
    • Equipment and Technology Acquisition
    • Incremental Advances in Technology
    • Technology Development Program
    • References
• LARGE AND SMALL SCIENCE PROGRAMS: A DELICATE BALANCE
  • The Great Importance of ''Small" Science Programs
  • The Role of NSF in "Big" Ocean Science: 1950-1980
    • Abstract
    • International Geophysical Year (1956-1959)
    • International Indian Ocean Expedition (1962-1967)
    • International Decade of Ocean Exploration (1971-1980)
    • References
  • Major Physical Oceanography Programs at NSF: IDOE Through Global Change
    • Abstract
  • Major International Programs in Ocean Sciences: Ocean Chemistry
    • Introduction
    • Early Days
    • The PRE-GEOSECS Period
    • The Geosecs Period: 1968-1978
    • The TTO Program
    • Inside the Foundation
    • The Joint Global Ocean Flux Study
    • Impressions Today
    • Acknowledgements
    • References
• OCEAN SCIENCES TODAY AND TOMORROW
  • The Future of Physical Oceanography
    • Summary
    • Future Directions
  • The Future of Ocean Chemistry in the United States
    • Introduction
    • Recent Progress
    • Future Research Trajectories
    • Research Infrastructure
    • Conclusion
  • The Future of Marine Geology and Geophysics: A Summary
    • Group #1: The Solid Earth
    • Group #2: Paleoceanography
    • Group #3: Shelf and Shoreface Sediments
    • Group #4: Fluids in the Oceanic Lithosphere and Margins
    • Common Themes in Infrastructure
    • Workshop Participant List
  • Out Far and in Deep: Shifting Perspectives in Ocean Ecology
    • Abstract
    • Introduction
    • Functional Significance of Biological Diversity in Biogeochemical Dynamics
    • Functional Ecology (Of Individuals, with Ramifications for Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems)
    • Structuring Dynamics of Biological Assemblages
    • Human Impacts and Habitat Linkages
    • Acknowledgements
    • References
  • Global Ocean Science: Toward an Integrated Approach
    • Impact of Major Oceanographic Programs on Ocean Science
    • Scientific and Generic Gaps
    • Structuring Programs to Maximize Science Organization and Management
    • Improving Science by Enhancing Communication and Coordination
    • Lessons for the Future
  • Education in Oceanography: History, Purpose, and Prognosis
    • Introduction
    • Some History of Universities and Oceanography Related to Education
    • Education in the Ocean Sciences: What is the Point?
    • What are Our Values? The Purposes of Education in Ocean Sciences
    • What Can We Do as a Science?
    • References
  • Evolving Institutional Arrangements for U.S. Ocean Sciences
    • Introduction
    • The National Academy of Sciences and U.S. Oceanography
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • NSF's Commitment to the Deep
  • Fifty Years of Ocean Discovery
  • Argo to ARGO
  • The Importance of Ocean Sciences to Society
    • Education
    • Human Health and the Oceans (NRC, 1999)
    • Product Delivery
    • International Coordination
    • References
• APPENDICES
  • Appendix A Symposium Program
  • Appendix B Symposium Participants
  • Appendix C Poster Session
  • Appendix D NSF Division of Ocean Sciences: Senior Science Staff, Rotators, IPAs, and Visiting Scientists
  • Appendix E Support of Ocean Sciences at NSF from 1966 to 1999
  • Appendix F Organizational Charts
  • Appendix G NRC Project Oversight
  • Appendix H Acronyms
• THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES

This report was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor.

NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competencies and with regard for appropriate balance.