Annual report of the Coastal Research Center of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Abstract

Coastal research at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution was the subject of a special series of seminars and discussions in 1978-1979 which led to the identification of three important issues: (1) The need for more formal multidisciplinary interactions in order to effectively tackle some key research problems; (2) The need for facilities for experimentation; and (3) The need for unrestricted funds to initiate new multidisciplinary research ventures or to act as the "glue" binding together ongoing research projects. The Coastal Research Center was established in late 1979 with the charge of meeting these needs and initiating and carrying out projects in coastal research. Work within the Center is carried out by scientists and students from the scientific departments, visiting scientists, and post-doctoral investigators. A Planning Committee advises the Center Director in areas of research projects, budgets, and experimental facilities. Three specific projects were chosen for initial emphasis: (1) Georges Bank; (2) Assimilative Capacity; (3) Instrumentation. Planned new facilities for coastal research include an experimental laboratory which is now under construction, a 100-meter flume, a greenhouse, and an addition to the existing Environmental Systems Laboratory.