Beyond the Water's Edge: United States National Security & the Ocean Environment
Abstract
Scientific study of the oceans originated in the United States essentially as a function of national security. Investigations that focused on the tactical and operational impacts of the fluid, geophysical, chemical and biological marine environment upon U.S. Navy operations successfully addressed many challenging naval requirements; but oceanographic inquiry in support of naval needs also triggered unexpected results. In many instances the knowledge of the oceans that was acquired through directed studies - and through complementary lines of inquiry that were enabled by tools developed for naval oceanographic research - further impacted national security in ways that were not anticipated and which transcended tactical and operational significance and could be considered of more strategic consequence. Through selected case studies, the present work explores relationships between the oceans, ocean science and national security through almost the last two hundred years during which the study of the marine environment has held relevance for naval operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA468078
Entities
People
- John M. Di Mento
Organizations
- Tufts University