An overview of the physical oceanography report

To a great extent, this U.S. physical oceanographic report to IUGG (1978–1982) focuses on advances made in large‐scale oceanography. Reviews are presented for the areas of equatorial oceanography, subtropical gyre studies, polar oceanography, mid‐latitude variability and oceanic heat flux. The last topic is a common thread that runs through all of the reviews since there is the realization that the ocean is an essential element in determining the climate of the earth. With increased concern over the coastal zone as a region where recreational, commercial, energy, and fisheries interests overlap, a great deal of effort has also gone into investigating the oceanography of the continental margins.