Sea Change

Ocean science connects a global community of scientists in many disciplines - physics, chemistry, biology, geology and geophysics. New observational and computational technologies are transforming the ability of scientists to study the global ocean with a more integrated and dynamic approach. This enhanced understanding of the ocean is becoming ever more important in an economically and geopolitically connected world, and contributes vital information to policy and decision makers charged with addressing societal interests in the ocean. Science provides the knowledge necessary to realize the benefits and manage the risks of the ocean. Comprehensive understanding of the global ocean is fundamental to forecasting and managing risks from severe storms, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and managing ocean resources. In the United States, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is the primary funder of the basic research which underlies advances in our understanding of the ocean. Sea Change addresses the strategic investments necessary at NSF to ensure a robust ocean scientific enterprise over the next decade. This survey provides guidance from the ocean sciences community on research and facilities priorities for the coming decade and makes recommendations for funding priorities. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary Introduction 1 21st-Century Achievements in Ocean Science 2 Ocean Science Priorities for 2015-2025 3 The Current Landscape: Alignment of Current Ocean Research Infrastructure with the Decadal Science Priorities 4 The Path Forward: Maintaining Ocean Science in a Constrained Budget Environment Appendix A: Committee and Staff Biographies Appendix B: Presentations at DSOS Committee Meetings Appendix C: Virtual Town Hall Questionnaire Appendix D: Glossary of Terms Appendix E: Acronyms Used in the Report