This volume describes and evaluates the major current research developments in the ocean sciences. Topics include advances in measuring ocean phenomena from space, ^Iin situ^R instruments, and the development of fully integrated observing systems that allow investigators to take environmental snapshots of areas that must be monitored in order to protect property and save lives. The authors emphasize that today's successful oceanographic programs rely on multidisciplinary, integrated, and task-organized teams of varying professionals, marine technicians, and oceanographers.

Also discussed are the World Wide Web, distributed databases, and computer models that allow research and operational oceanographers to share information to build useful products and make new discoveries.