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Foreword
The Advanced Study Courses in the field of Marine Science and Technology
were part of the training programme developed from 1989 until 1999 within
MAST, the Marine Science and Technology Programme of the European Union.
They were related to the core topics of MAST Programme, marine systems
research, extreme marine environments, regional Sea research, coastal systems
research and engineering, and marine technology. The main objectives of these
study courses were to further advance education in topics at the forefront of scientific and technological development in Europe, and to improve the communication
between students and experienced scientists on a European and international level.
Over the years the Programme sponsored around 30 Advanced Study Courses.
They took place in ten different member states of the European Union and their
contribution in the formation of a European scientific community was significant.
They also encouraged exchanges and contacts with several countries around the
world such as United States, the third Mediterranean countries and others. The
Course on Ocean Forecasting was one ofthe most successful with regard to its content, number of applications for participation and students satisfaction.
When considering the need for the Advanced Study Course on Ocean Forecasting, it is important to remember that the Oceans and Seas have always played a
central role throughout the history of mankind. This is seen from the times of the
ancient civilizations ofEgypt and Greece with the Phoenician traders, to the Viking
voyages of exploration and discovery in medieval times.
In the Middle Ages, just as in ancient and medieval times, the sea remained the
major route for trade. The naval fleets ofthe middle ages were first used to protect
national interests and then in the centuries that followed to voyage beyond European shores to explore and colonise lands far overseas. Trading ships followed,
now crossing vast oceans, as weB as local and regional seas. Today, the oceans
remain one of the major trading routes for world goods in what is now a truly global economy.
The oceans have also been a major source of food for the human race, with fishing being one of the oldest established professions known to man. The seas and
oceans now yield other vital supplies such as oiI and natural gas, with new areas
opening up for exploitation, particularly in the field of biotechnology. With this
increased exploitation of the seas' resources come new pressures. These are, to
name but a few; over fishing of fish stocks; pollution in many forms, for example
from sewage outlets along coastlines, nitrate and phosphate run-off from the land
and from oiI spillage; increased vessel traffic and issues of safety at sea.
Then there is the growing awareness of the central role played by the oceans in
controlling the global climate. If proof is needed, one only has to compare the
warm temperate climate of Western Europe with that of the cool temperate climate
of Canada, both lying at the same latitude but enjoying very different climates
under the influence ofthe ocean currents in the North Atlantic. Understanding the
role of the oceans in climate change is therefore a key element in being able to
Foreword
The Advanced Study Courses in the field of Marine Science and Technology
were part of the training programme developed from 1989 until 1999 within
MAST, the Marine Science and Technology Programme of the European Union.
They were related to the core topics of MAST Programme, marine systems
research, extreme marine environments, regional Sea research, coastal systems
research and engineering, and marine technology. The main objectives of these
study courses were to further advance education in topics at the forefront of scientific and technological development in Europe, and to improve the communication
between students and experienced scientists on a European and international level.
Over the years the Programme sponsored around 30 Advanced Study Courses.
They took place in ten different member states of the European Union and their
contribution in the formation of a European scientific community was significant.
They also encouraged exchanges and contacts with several countries around the
world such as United States, the third Mediterranean countries and others. The
Course on Ocean Forecasting was one ofthe most successful with regard to its content, number of applications for participation and students satisfaction.
When considering the need for the Advanced Study Course on Ocean Forecasting, it is important to remember that the Oceans and Seas have always played a
central role throughout the history of mankind. This is seen from the times of the
ancient civilizations ofEgypt and Greece with the Phoenician traders, to the Viking
voyages of exploration and discovery in medieval times.
In the Middle Ages, just as in ancient and medieval times, the sea remained the
major route for trade. The naval fleets ofthe middle ages were first used to protect
national interests and then in the centuries that followed to voyage beyond European shores to explore and colonise lands far overseas. Trading ships followed,
now crossing vast oceans, as weB as local and regional seas. Today, the oceans
remain one of the major trading routes for world goods in what is now a truly global economy.
The oceans have also been a major source of food for the human race, with fishing being one of the oldest established professions known to man. The seas and
oceans now yield other vital supplies such as oiI and natural gas, with new areas
opening up for exploitation, particularly in the field of biotechnology. With this
increased exploitation of the seas' resources come new pressures. These are, to
name but a few; over fishing of fish stocks; pollution in many forms, for example
from sewage outlets along coastlines, nitrate and phosphate run-off from the land
and from oiI spillage; increased vessel traffic and issues of safety at sea.
Then there is the growing awareness of the central role played by the oceans in
controlling the global climate. If proof is needed, one only has to compare the
warm temperate climate of Western Europe with that of the cool temperate climate
of Canada, both lying at the same latitude but enjoying very different climates
under the influence ofthe ocean currents in the North Atlantic. Understanding the
role of the oceans in climate change is therefore a key element in being able to