Global Observations and Understanding of the General Circulation of the Oceans: Proceedings of a Workshop Held at Woods Hole, Massachusetts on August 8-12, 1983

摘要

The workshop was organized to address: (1) To determine whether we do indeed have the ability to obtain ocean data on a global scale that could profoundly change our understanding of the circulation; (2) to identify the primary and secondary elements needed to conduct a World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE); (3) if the ability is achievable, to determine what the U.S. role in such an experiment should be; and (4) to outline the steps necessary to assure that an appropriate program is conducted. Background papers prepared by participants for background material at the workshop are included in the appendix to the proceedings. Consensus of the workshop was that a World Ocean Circulation Experiment appears feasible, worthwhile, and timely. The workshop participants did agree that such a program should have the following overall goal: To understand the general circulation of the global ocean well enough to be able to predict ocean response and feedback to long-term changes in the atmosphere. Discussion of the overall goal, specific objectives, and recommendations for next steps in planning such an experiment are included in the text.