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.
[Illustration: _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._]