50 Years of Ocean Discovery

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.Table of ContentsFront MatterKeynote LectureThe Emergence of the National Science Foundation as a Supporter of Ocean Sciences in the United StatesLandmark Achievements of Ocean Sciences Achievements in Biological OceanographyAchievements in Chemical OceanographyAchievements in Physical OceanographyAchievements in Marine Geology and GeophysicsDeep Submergence: The Beginnings of Alvin as a Tool of Basic ResearchThe History of Woods Hole's Deep Submergence ProgramCreating Institutions to Make Scientific Discoveries Possible A Chronology of the Early Development of Ocean Sciences at NSFOcean Sciences at the National Sciences Foundation: Early RevolutionOcean Sciences at the National Sciences Foundation: An Administrative HistoryTwo Years of Turbulence Leading to a Quarter Century of Cooperation: The Birth of UNOLSScientific Ocean Drilling, from AMSOC to COMPOSTTechnology Development for Ocean Sciences at NSFLarge and Small Science Programs: A Delicate Balance The Great Importance of “Small” Science ProgramsThe Role of NSF in “Big” Ocean Science: 1950 to 1980Major Physical Oceanography Programs at NSF: IDOE Through Global ChangeMajor International Programs in Ocean Sciences: Ocean ChemistryOcean Sciences Today and Tomorrow The Future of Physical OceanographyThe Future of Ocean Chemistry in the United StatesThe Future of Marine Geology and Geophysics: A SummaryOut Far and In Deep: Shifting Perspectives in Ocean EcologyGlobal Ocean Science: Toward an Integrated ApproachEducation in Oceanography: History, Purpose, and PrognosisEvolving Institutional Arrangements for U.S. Ocean SciencesNSF's Commitment to the DeepFifty Years of Ocean DiscoveryArgo to ARGOThe Importance of Ocean Sciences to SocietyAppendix A: Symposium ProgramAppendix B: Symposium ParticipantsAppendix C: Poster SessionAppendix D: NSF Division of Ocean Sciences: Senior Science Staff, Rotators, IPAs, and Visiting SciencesAppendix E: Support of Ocean Sciences at NSF from 1966 to 1999Appendix F: Organizational ChartsAppendix G: NRC Project OversightAppendix H: AcronymsIndexSupplementary Pictures