The Indian Ocean expedition—An international venture

Abstract

The growing interest in ‘inner space’—or in more conventional terms, oceanography—is readily indicated by the rapid development of the International Indian Ocean Expedition program. The program was conceived in 1957; in late 1959 it was agreed that SCOR (the Special Committee on Oceanic Research of the International Council of Scientific Unions) would sponsor the enterprise. In the ensuing two years it has taken form.Over the next three years a fleet of ships from many nations—ships carrying highly specialized equipment and scientists—will be sailing in the Indian Ocean on new voyages of discovery. One of the last unknown areas of the globe will be under intensive exploration as the International Indian Ocean Expedition gets under way. Eight vessels from five different nations have already completed a dozen cruises. More than twenty countries, contributing more than forty vessels staffed with scientific parties will carry out more than sixty cruises varying in length from one to twelve months. Australia, East Africa, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, and USSR will provide from one to ten ships each. In addition, each country bordering the Indian Ocean will provide shore stations and personnel for local observations, particularly on tidal changes and meteorology. Denmark, Israel, Nationalist China and possibly some others will send scientific parties.