Outlines the history of Antarctic exploration from the Greek philosophers of 500 BC to the adoption of the minerals regime in 1988. (CW)

Discusses: (1) the physics of ice formation; (2) growth, melting, and regrowth of ice; (3) ice distribution; (4) ice movement; (5) the marginal ice zone; and (6) observations of ice dynamics. (JN)

Examines Arctic marine ecosystems by discussing (1) the biological significance of ice and (2) the evolution of ecosystems in the Arctic region. (JN)

Examines remote sensing of the arctic seas by discussing: (1) passive microwave sensors; (2) active microwave sensors; (3) other types of sensors; (4) the future deployment of sensors; (5) data buoys; and (6) future endeavors. (JN)

Examines trends related to exploration in the Arctic by considering: (1) technology and military strategies; (2) foreign policy and the Arctic; (3) Arctic industrialization; (4) the Arctic policy agenda; and (5) recent United States initiatives in this region. (JN)

Discusses the special role the Arctic region plays in climate, focusing on: (1) the global energy balance; (2) feedback mechanisms; (3) effects of increasing carbon dioxide; and (4) climate processes study programs. (JN)

Presents results of research designed to assess and predict the storm-related hazards of living on the coast. Findings suggest that certain sections of coastline are more vulnerable than others to storm damage. (WB)

Understanding the vagrancies of climate, a vast, complex subject, requires a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on the ocean's effects on the atmosphere and vice versa. (Author/BB)

El Nino is a complex periodic oceanographic event that occurs off the west coast of South America, adversely affecting climate not only in the local area but in other regions of the world. There is evidence that the equatorial regions hold the key to predicting this economically destructive phenomenon. (Author/BB)

Reports on research concerning the formation, location, and composition of manganese modules. (CP)

The coastal waters of the Beaufort Sea are covered with ice three-fourths of the year. These waters (during winter) are discussed by considering: consolidation of coastal ice; under-ice water; brine circulation; biological energy; life under the ice (including kelp and larger animals); food chains; and ice break-up. (JN)

The continuing controversey over offshore oil/gas has given impetus to searching for domestic energy alternatives. The need for and types of several alternative sources are discussed. Indicates that the United States needs to pursue both offshore and other domestic liquid-fuel sources if it is to avoid becoming increasingly dependent on imports.…

Discusses sediment drift patterns on the North Atlantic Ocean floor. Includes photographs and a discussion of the wide variety of sediment formations. (CP)

Provides photographs of some of the mud-dwelling creatures of the Atlantic Ocean. (CP)

A National Research Council committee recently concluded that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels will "most likely" double by late in the next century, causing an increase in the earth's average temperature. Effects of the increase on sea levels, global climate, and other parameters are discussed. (JN)