Outcomes of the U.S. Program in Biology of the International Indian Ocean Expedition

Abstract

The International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) of 1960-1965 brought together scientists of all the major oceanographic nations of the time, as well as nations from the Indian Ocean region. The Indian Ocean basin and its processes were largely unknown at the time although it was known to feature unusual dynamics resulting from seasonally reversing monsoon winds that significantly affected the productivity of the basin. The Special Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR, later the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research), identified the Indian Ocean as a prime location for its first international expedition. The United States made a major investment in the IIOE, across all areas of ocean science. This article will document the legacy of the U.S. Program in Biology that was part of the IIOE.