U.S.Preface
1994 Arctic Ocean Section
-- U.S. Preface --
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
Enthusiasm, cooperation and the spirit of scientific exploration are terms that aptly apply to
the 1994 U.S.Canada Arctic Ocean Section. The scientific motivation for the undertaking was
to substantially increase the observational base necessary for better understanding the role of the
Arctic in global change. The expedition's objective was to make a series of measurements that
would allow the analysis and modeling of the biological, chemical and physical systems related to
the Arctic and their impact on global change, and the controlling processes in these systems.
Cooperation was necessary to bring the scientific, operational and funding mechanisms to-
gether. Over five years of planning culminated on the evening of 24 July 1994 when the CCGS
Louis S. St-Laurent and the USCGC Polar Sea steamed northward from Nome, Alaska, when 70
scientists embarked with their scientific equipment on what was planned to be a 60-day expedi-
tion.
The expedition could not have happened without enthusiasm. There was scientific enthusiasm
for addressing an important and timely research topic. Also there was enthusiasm within the Coast
Guards of the two nations for undertaking a maritime expedition in the Arctic Ocean that was to
be the first of its type for North America.
Although there were challenges and disappointments along the way, the expedition was highly
successful scientifically. The data analysis, interpretation and publication will continue for several
years, and the work will form the basis for new and ongoing research in the Arctic. The National
Science Foundation is proud to have contributed to the project and it congratulates the men and
women who worked so hard to make it a success.
R.W. Corell
Assistant Director, Geosciences
National Science Foundation
U.S.A.
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