The Atom and the Ocean

by E. W. Seabrook Hull

THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL OCEAN

The ocean is no longer an area of isolated scientific interest, nor merely a turbulent two-dimensional surface over which man conducts his commerce and occasionally fights his wars.

In today’s world, the ocean has assumed its full third dimension. Men and women are going down into it to study, to play, to work, and, alas, sometimes to fight. As they go, they are taking atomic energy with them. In many instances, only the harnessed power in the nuclei of atoms permits them to penetrate the depths of the mighty sea and there attain their objectives.

Artist’s conception of one of three proposed designs for the National Science Foundation’s Arctic Drift Barge. All three designs incorporate a nuclear power source.