Global Ocean Science: Toward an Integrated Approach

Box 3-1 Study Approach for Task Group 1

Task 1) The Committee will enhance information sharing and coordinated implementation of the research plans of the major ongoing and future programs.

Question 1a: Can joint development of the short- and long-term goals of the major programs lead to enhanced coordination and implementation of current and future research plans?

Data used

1.	short- and long-term research goals;
2.	sequencing of major ocean field programs (schedule of research cruises, duration, location, required ship capabilities, ancillary activities);
3.	information on data products and sharing (dissemination by atlas, CD Roms, etc.), synthesis, modeling, and data assimilation; and
4.	lessons from previous and existing programs (e.g., IDOE).

Question 1b: Can coordination between the major programs be enhanced now and in the future?

Data used

1.	input from Scientific Steering Committees (SSC);
2.	input from SSC chairs;
3.	input from NSF program directors; and
4.	input from community.

Box 3-2 Focus and Goals of the Major Oceanographic Programs Considered in This Study

CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND PREDICTABILITY (CLIVAR)

Focus: Studies investigating natural climate variability and predictability and the response of the climate system to anthropogenic forcing.

Goal: To describe and understand the physical processes responsible for climate variability and predictability on seasonal, interannual, decadal, and centennial time scales, through the collection and analysis of observations and the development and application of models of the coupled climate system, in cooperation with other relevant climate-research and observing programs.

Table of Contents

Front Matter R1-R14

Executive Summary 1-6

1 Introduction 7-16

2 The Role of Major Oceanographic Programs 17-36

3 Enhancing Coordination and Information Sharing 37-47

4 Accomplishments, Impacts, and Legacies 48-70

5 Gaps and Follow-On Activities 71-82

6 Program Planning, Structure, and Organization 83-95

7 Lessons for the Future: The Role of the National Science Foundation 96-102

8 Cited References 103-106

Appendix A: Committe Biographies 107-111

Appendix B: Acronyms and Abbreviations 112-115

Appendix C: Background Questionnaire 116-119

Appendix D: Scientific Steering Committee Perspectives Questionnaire 120-125

Appendix E: Website Questionnaire 126-127

Appendix F: Summary Budget Data 128-136

Appendix G: National Science Foundation Division of Ocean Studies 137-143

Appendix H: Major U.S. Oceanographic Research Programs: Major Publications 144-149

Appendix I: Major U.S. Oceanographic Research Programs: Textbook References 150-151

Appendix J: Selected Responses to World Wide Web and Scientific Steering Committee Questionnaires 152-158

Index 159-165