Introduction

Abstract

A hundred years ago the Society often listened to papers about the ocean, but the rapid growth of science, especially the development of those aspects that can be carried through with the help of laboratory experiments, has led to some neglect of large-scale natural processes, in favour of those that can be more readily formulated and imitated in models. Although aiming at better understanding and use of the world we live in, we have concentrated on the most approachable and profitable aspects; in consequence, studies of the earth, oceans and atmosphere, have become ‘fringe subjects’. But they are staging a come-back. The application of modern theoretical and practical methods to these problems brings results as exciting as any that can be obtained in a laboratory, and just as suitable for Ph.D. courses, which is one of the things that seems to matter, if they were better known. We must be grateful to the Society for giving us this opportunity to talk about the oceans. I am sure the papers will show the wide range of interest and excitement as well as the difficulties.