The _ATOM_ and the _OCEAN_ by E. W. Seabrook Hull U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION Division of Technical Information _Understanding the Atom Series_ The Understanding the Atom Series Nuclear energy is playing a vital role in the life of every man, woman, and child in the United States today. In the years ahead it will affect increasingly all the peoples of the earth. It is essential that all Americans gain an understanding of this vital force if they are to discharge thoughtfully their responsibilities as citizens and if they are to realize fully the myriad benefits that nuclear energy offers them. The United States Atomic Energy Commission provides this booklet to help you achieve such understanding. {Edward J. Brunenkant} Edward J. Brunenkant, Director Division of Technical Information UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, Chairman James T. Ramey Wilfrid E. Johnson Dr. Theos J. Thompson Dr. Clarence E. Larson The _ATOM_ and the _OCEAN_ by E. W. Seabrook Hull CONTENTS SEEKING ANSWERS 1 Energy for Exploration 3 THE WORLD OCEAN 6 Ocean Movements 7 A Mix of Elements 10 The Sea’s Interfaces 11 The Sea’s Resources 11 NUCLEAR ENERGY’S ROLE 13 Radionuclides in the Sea 13 Research Projects 23 Oceanographic Instruments 35 Environmental Safety Studies 41 The Atom at Work in the Sea 42 Ocean Engineering 51 Fresh Water from Seawater 52 Radiation Preservation of Seafood 54 Project Plowshare 56 A New _Fram_ 56 THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL OCEAN 57 SUGGESTED REFERENCES 58