Introduction

Abstract

Climate Dynamics has only in the course of the past two decades attained definition as a domain of research encompassing the functioning of the modern climate system, climatic variations, the evolution of past climates, human impact, and climate prediction (Hecht, 1977; Lamb, 1979). As part of this broad endeavor the low latitudes merit particular attention. Indeed, the functioning of the global climate system can be understood only upon proper appreciation of processes in the tropics. In view of the large time scales involved in climate processes, investigation of the World ocean is indespensible. It is therefore not suprising that international and national efforts at global climate dynamics have recognized studies of climate mechanisms in low latittudes and of the role of the hydroshere as tasks of high priority (National Academy of Sciences, 1969, pp. 63–81; 1975, pp. 62–83; World Meteorological Organization — ICSU, 1975, pp. 26–39: 1983, vol. 1., pp. 62–83; World Meteorological Organization, 1980, pp. 12–15, 38–44; Federal Coordinating Council, 1977, pp. 11, 19–20, 23, 35, 41, 43; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1977, pp. 11–13, 17–18, 20–29, 41–45; 1980, pp. 36–68; Department of Commerce, 1980, pp. 8,13, 24).