Oceanography Information Sources

To date, a vast amount of the world’s oceans remains uncharted. With water covering more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, maritime and oceanographic exploration and research is vital. Oceanography and Coastal Informatics: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice is a critical source of academic knowledge centered on technologies, methodologies, and practices related to the biological and physical aspects of the ocean and coastal environments. This publication is divided into four sections: climate change and environmental concerns; data analysis and management; fisheries management and ecology; and GIS, geospatial analysis, and localization. This publication is an ideal reference source for oceanographers, marine and maritime professionals, researchers, and scholars interested in current research on various aspects of oceanography and coastal informatics.

During recent years, large-scale investigations into global climate change and other highly visible issues have taken the lion's share of declining research funds. At the same time, funding for basic research in such core disciplines as physical oceanography, biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, and marine geology has dwindled. Global Ocean Science examines how the largest U.S. ocean research programs, such as the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) and the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS), have significantly contributed to our understanding of the oceans. The book examines the impact of these programs on research, education, and collegiality within this diverse scientific community and offers recommendations to help ensure a vital future for ocean science, including: Specific results of the programs such as data collected, conceptual breakthroughs, information published, demonstrable use of program products, incorporation of new knowledge into education, and contribution to policymaking and decisionmaking by federal agencies. Mechanisms for efficiently identifying knowledge gaps and research questions, strategic planning of research programs, managing competitive proposals, securing needed resources, and more. This practical book will be welcomed by ocean investigators, users of oceanographic research findings, policymakers, administrators, educators, and students.

Includes subject, agency, and budget indexes.