Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution A Guide to the Papers of Nicholas P. Fofonoff, 1961-1994 Manuscript Collection MC-38 23 boxes (11.5 lin. ft.) |
Dr. Nicholas Fofonoff was born August 18, 1929 in Queenstown, Canada. He completed his B.A. and M.A. at the University of British Columbia. He first came to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) as a summer fellow in 1952 and again in 1953 when he was a Ph.D. candidate at Brown University. He received his Ph.D. in 1955. Following a postdoctoral year at the National Institute of Oceanography in England and six years on the staff of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Fofonoff came to the Institution in 1961 to participate in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics program. In 1962 he was appointed to the scientific staff. The following year he was appointed Senior Scientist. From 1968-1986 he was a Professor of the Practice of Physical Oceanography at Harvard University and Associate of the Center for Earth and Planetary Physics from 1971-1986.
Nick Fofonoff served as the Department Chairman for the Physical Oceanography Department at WHOI from 1967-1971 and from 1981-1985. He was active in the management of the Buoy Group at WHOI for many years. He received the Henry Stommel Research Award from the American Meteorological Society in 1988. Fofonoff served on various scientific committees and was involved in several international projects including MODE (Mid-Ocean Dynamics Experiment); POLYMODE (Joint US-USSR Mid-Ocean Dynamics Experiment); WOCE (World Ocean Circulation Experiment); and IWEX (International Wave Experiment).
His research interests include the dynamics of ocean circulation, physical properties and thermodynamics of seawater, and the development of mooring technology and reliable current measurement. These were all major areas of inquiry for the Russian/American POLYMODE project, which took place from 1975 to 1981 and for which Fofonoff served on the organizing committee. His knowledge of the Russian language aided in the success of the partnership.
Fofonoff was a leader in the development and introduction of the now standard Practical Salinity Scale. His later research focused on the Gulf Stream. Dr. Fofonoff retired from the Institution in December of 1991. He is currently a Scientist Emeritus.
The Nicholas P. Fofonoff papers consist of 23 boxes (9.25 linear feet) that span the years 1961-1994. The material covers his years at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, including memos and correspondence created during his tenure as Physical Oceanography Department Chairman and Buoy Group manager. Also included are presentations and lectures from classes he taught at Harvard and WHOI, as well as considerable correspondence between Fofonoff and colleague, Ferris Webster.
The custodial history of the records is undocumented.
Papers of Nicholas P. Fofonoff, 1961-1994. MC-38, "Folder Name." Data Library and Archives, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Nicholas P. Fofonoff donated his papers to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Data Library and Archives (DLA) in 1999.
Third-level processing completed in March 2001 by Lisa M. Raymond. Processing of this collection was partly supported by a grant from the Friends of the Center for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics.
The papers were put in acid free folders. Paper clips and staples were removed. Newspaper clippings, overhead transparencies and acidic items were photocopied. Notebooks were cut and the contents put in folders and labeled. The files were consolidated and put into acid free boxes.
Open: materials are available for research.
Copyright: Permission to publish material from the collection must be authorized by the Institution Archivist.
Dr. Fofonoff was interviewed as part of the Office of Naval Research project, Oceanography: The making of science. This oral history is available in the DLA.
Photographs were put in archival sleeves and added to scientific photograph collection.
The papers are divided into five series:
Researchers wishing to find related materials should search the MBLWHOI Library catalog under these terms.
Chronological Files 1971-1989 2.5 boxes (1.25 lin. ft.) | |||||||||||
Scope and Content Note | |||||||||||
The series consists mostly of reviews of journal articles and correspondence. | |||||||||||
Arrangement | |||||||||||
Folders are arranged chronologically. | |||||||||||
1 | 1 | Chronological Files | 1971-1972 | ||||||||
2 | Chronological Files | 1973 | |||||||||
3-4 | Chronological Files (2ff.) | 1974 | |||||||||
5-6 | Chronological Files (2ff.) | 1975 | |||||||||
7-8 | Chronological Files (2ff.) | 1976 | |||||||||
9-10 | Chronological Files (2ff.) | 1977 | |||||||||
2 | 1 | Chronological Files | 1978 | ||||||||
2 | Chronological Files | 1979 | |||||||||
3 | Chronological Files | 1980 | |||||||||
4-5 | Chronological Files (2ff.) | 1981 | |||||||||
3 | 1 | Chronological Files | 1982 | ||||||||
2 | Chronological Files | 1983 | |||||||||
3 | Chronological Files | 1984 | |||||||||
4 | Chronological Files | 1985-1989 |
Correspondence Files 1963-1981 1 box (.5 lin. ft.) | |||||||||||
Scope and Content Note | |||||||||||
Includes both incoming and outgoing correspondence on various subjects. | |||||||||||
Arrangement | |||||||||||
Folders are arranged chronologically. | |||||||||||
3 | 5 | Correspondence | 1963 | ||||||||
6 | Correspondence | 1964 | |||||||||
7 | Correspondence | 1966, 1967 | |||||||||
8 | Correspondence | 1968 | |||||||||
9 | Correspondence | 1969 | |||||||||
10 | Correspondence | 1970 | |||||||||
4 | 1 | Correspondence | 1971 | ||||||||
2 | Correspondence | 1972, 1973 | |||||||||
3 | Correspondence | 1974 | |||||||||
4 | Correspondence | 1976, 1977 | |||||||||
5 | Correspondence | 1978, 1979 | |||||||||
6 | Correspondence | 1981 |
Telemail Files 1980-1981 .5 box (.25 lin. ft.) | |||||||||||
Scope and Content Note | |||||||||||
Photocopies of Fofonoff’s electronic mail from 1980-1981. | |||||||||||
Arrangement | |||||||||||
Folders are arranged chronologically. | |||||||||||
4 | 1 | Telemail “ATS-3” | November 18–29, 1980 | ||||||||
2 | Telemail | October–December 1980 | |||||||||
3 | Telemail | November 30–December 6, 1980 | |||||||||
4 | Telemail | January 1981 | |||||||||
5 | Telemail | February– March 1981 | |||||||||
6 | Telemail | April–May 1981 | |||||||||
7 | Telemail | July–September 1981 |
Buoy Group Management Files 1968-1982 2.5 boxes (1.25 lin. ft.) | |||||||||||
Scope and Content Note | |||||||||||
Includes proposals, memos and meeting minutes, as well as blueprints of buoys. | |||||||||||
Arrangement | |||||||||||
Folders are arranged chronologically. | |||||||||||
5 | 1 | Buoy Group | 1968-1970 | ||||||||
2 | Buoy Project | 1969-1973 | |||||||||
3-4 | Buoy Group & MODE proposals, memos, etc. (2 folders) | 1971 | |||||||||
5 | Buoy Group – projects, schedules, proposals | 1975-1976 | |||||||||
6 | Buoy Group Memos | 1976 | |||||||||
7-9 | Buoy Lab Memos (3 folders) | 1977 | |||||||||
6 | 1 | Notebook – Buoy Group Meeting | 1972-1982 | ||||||||
2 | Buoy Group Memos | 1978 | |||||||||
3 | Buoy Group Memos | 1978, 1980, 1981 | |||||||||
4-5 | Buoy Group Management (2 folders) | 1978-1982 | |||||||||
6 | Buoy Group Memos | 1979-1981 | |||||||||
7 | Buoy Group Management | 1979 | |||||||||
7 | 1-4 | Buoy Group Memos/Correspondence (4 folders) | 1980 | ||||||||
5-6 | Buoy Group Management (2 folders) | 1981 | |||||||||
7 | Buoy Group Management Memos | 1981-1982 | |||||||||
8 | Buoy Group Management | 1982 |
Subject Files 1961-1994 16.5 boxes (8.25 lin. ft.) | |||||||||||
Scope and Content Note | |||||||||||
Subjects range from meetings and projects to classes Fofonoff taught and equations he wrote. | |||||||||||
Arrangement | |||||||||||
These files are arranged chronologically to maintain the original order of the collection. | |||||||||||
7 | 9 | Papers by Fofonoff and others | undated | ||||||||
10 | Spectral analysis … paper by Fofonoff | undated | |||||||||
11 | Spectral characteristics of single Ekman wind drift model | undated | |||||||||
12 | Paper – A simple model for mooring… by Fofonoff | undated | |||||||||
13 | Machine computation mass transport ocean | undated | |||||||||
8 | 1 | Oscillation modes of a deep-sea … by Fofonoff | undated | ||||||||
2 | Nonlinear model of decaying Rossby waves, by Fofonoff | undated | |||||||||
3 | Geostrophic velocity along potential density surfaces | undated | |||||||||
4 | Welander Lectures | undated | |||||||||
5 | Buoy photos | undated | |||||||||
6 | Presentation “Wed. morning Kort,” introduction | undated | |||||||||
7 | Rossby waves | undated | |||||||||
8 | Mooring kit | undated | |||||||||
9 | Beardsley & Gargett paper (Taylor-Proudman columns) | undated | |||||||||
10 | NAVOCEANO (Naval Oceanographic Office) | undated | |||||||||
11 | Visit from House Comm. on Oceanography | undated | |||||||||
12 | Scientific Committee for Oceanic Research (SCOR) Working Group 21 | undated | |||||||||
13 | Computer printouts-originally in folder labeled “Monster Buoy” | undated | |||||||||
14 | Woods Hole Curriculum, Things to do, Equations | undated | |||||||||
15 | Long range plans, including one by Stommel | 1960s | |||||||||
16 | Joint panel on the equation of state of seawater | 1961-1964 | |||||||||
17 | Equations – correspondence about | 1963, 1968 | |||||||||
18 | Invited paper for Royal Meteorological Society of Canada, Quebec City | January 5, 1963 | |||||||||
19 | Photos Rossby waves in Fullers tank | 1963 | |||||||||
20 | Advanced sea-based deterrent… and current measurements from moored buoys | 1963 | |||||||||
21 | Format for current meters | 1963 | |||||||||
22 | General Scientific Framework Symposium Scientific Committee for Oceanic Research (SCOR) | 1963 | |||||||||
9 | 1 | Misc. Navy and Clearance | 1963-1969 | ||||||||
2 | Buoy Projects | 1963-1964 | |||||||||
3 | North Pacific Trade Wind Zone Investigation | 1963 | |||||||||
4 | Buoy cruises | 1963-1966 | |||||||||
5 | Convair Buoy | 1966 | |||||||||
6 | Wednesday Seminar | 1964 | |||||||||
7 | Notes on current meters | 1964 | |||||||||
8 | Translation of Russian journal articles | 1964-1965 | |||||||||
9 | Problem of measuring currents in ocean | Circa 1964 | |||||||||
10 | “Operations” Moorings Bermuda Biol. Station | 1964-1968 | |||||||||
11 | Joint Panel on Oceanographic Tables and Standards | 1964-1968 | |||||||||
12 | Buoy Project proposal | 1964 | |||||||||
10 | 1 | Advanced sea-based deterrent /Proposed scientific experiments | 1964, 1968 | ||||||||
2 | Kuroshio Treatise | 1964-1966 | |||||||||
3 | Synoptic Oceanography – Buoy Project Proposal | 1964 | |||||||||
4 | Lectures, plus papers by other people | 1965-1966 | |||||||||
5 | National Science Foundation (NSF), Worthington proposal | 1965-1966 | |||||||||
6 | NSF, Hersey proposal | 1965-1967 | |||||||||
7 | National Academy of Engineering (NAE) proposal | 1965-1966 | |||||||||
8 | Buoy array drafts- Webster/MIT/Geodyne | 1965-1966 | |||||||||
9 | National Academy of Sciences, Comm. on Oceanography (NASCO) report | 1965 | |||||||||
10 | Indian Ocean Committee | 1965 | |||||||||
11 | American Geophysical Union (AGU) Russian Translation Comm. | 1966 | |||||||||
12 | Indian Ocean Expedition | 1965 | |||||||||
13 | Atlantic Oceanography Proposal | 1965 | |||||||||
14 | Internal waves of tidal period | 1966 | |||||||||
15 | Spectral characteristics of internal waves | 1966 | |||||||||
16 | Mooring motion, D.A. Foster | September 14, 1966 | |||||||||
17 | United States Geological Survey (USGS) Buoy Study proposal | 1966 | |||||||||
18 | Lecture- Sanders Assoc. buoy measurements | 1966 | |||||||||
19 | Buoy array proposal Office of Naval Res. (ONR) Letter of intent, etc. | 1966 | |||||||||
11 | 1 | Comm. Eulerian measurement, Pritchard report | 1966 | ||||||||
2 | National Telemetering Conference | 1966 | |||||||||
3 | Proposals | Circa 1966 | |||||||||
4 | Second International Oceanographic Congress | 1966 | |||||||||
5 | Moored Ocean Array Experiment, budget and proposal, 1967 | 1967 | |||||||||
6-7 | SCOR Working Group 21 on continuous velocity measurements (2ff.) | 1966-1967 | |||||||||
8 | International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics/Symposium | 1966 | |||||||||
9 | National Academy of Science – National Research Council (NAS-NRC) Air-sea interaction panel, notes | December 19, 1966 | |||||||||
10 | Interagency Comm. on Oceanography-ICO | 1966 | |||||||||
11 | American Association for the Advancement of Science | December 1967 | |||||||||
12 | Proposals | 1967-1970 | |||||||||
13 | Moored Ocean Array Experiment | 1967-1968 | |||||||||
14 | Geo-marine technology, Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) | 1967-1968 | |||||||||
15 | Chain cruise 76 | 1968 | |||||||||
16 | Station “P” mooring | 1968 | |||||||||
12 | 1 | SCOR and IUGG (International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics) correspondence | 1968-1969 | ||||||||
2 | Engineering – Berteaux | 1968-1969 | |||||||||
3 | Operations, memos, Heinmiller, etc. | 1968-1969 | |||||||||
4 | Stewart Turner correspondence | 1968-1970 | |||||||||
5 | Engineering – Walden, Stimson, etc. | 1968-1970 | |||||||||
6 | Moored array material and other proposals | Circa 1968-1970 | |||||||||
7 | Drafts of a paper - Mass transport … | 1969 | |||||||||
8 | “Operations” moorings | 1969 | |||||||||
9 | SCOR 21 | 1969-1971 | |||||||||
13 | 1-2 | Fofonoff-Webster memos (2 folders) | Circa 1969-1972 | ||||||||
3 | Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) University of Washington proposal, Columbia River Project | 1969-1970 | |||||||||
4 | Schmitz Buoy Program proposal | 1967 | |||||||||
5 | Statement by Richard Nixon | 1969 | |||||||||
6 | Comments on a Fofonoff paper, Conversion of conductivity to salinity | 1969 | |||||||||
7 | Proposal correspondence, etc. | 1969-1971 | |||||||||
8 | First United States Coast Guard National Data Buoy Systems Scientific Advisory Meeting | 1969 | |||||||||
9 | Calculations and Russian Announcement | Circa 1969 | |||||||||
10 | University of Chicago papers | undated | |||||||||
11 | Wave equations/Ocean array research | undated | |||||||||
12 | Talk at Rockefeller University – Measurement of ocean currents | undated | |||||||||
13 | Miscellaneous | 1970s | |||||||||
14 | Physical oceanographer, presentations | 1970 | |||||||||
14 | 1 | Specific volume formula and other equations | 1970 | ||||||||
2-5 | Air-sea interaction papers (4 folders) | undated | |||||||||
6 | International Wave Experiment (IWEX) | undated | |||||||||
7 | Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (GFD) Journal | 1970 | |||||||||
8 | “Operations” moorings | 1970 | |||||||||
9 | Engineering – Berteaux | 1970-1971 | |||||||||
10 | Brunt – Vaisala frequencies | 1971 | |||||||||
11 | Reviews, comments on papers | 1971 | |||||||||
12 | Buoy engineering | 1971 | |||||||||
13 | Ertel potential vorticity, misc. charts and figures, and Journal Club talk on Ocean Currents | 1972 | |||||||||
15 | 1 | IWEX | 1972 | ||||||||
2-4 | Research proposals, includes IWEX (3 folders) | 1972-1974 | |||||||||
5 | IWEX proposals and status reports | 1973 | |||||||||
6 | IWEX | 1973 | |||||||||
7 | IWEX budget and figures | 1973 | |||||||||
8 | Joint Panel for Oceanographic Tables and Standards, correspondence and papers | 1973 | |||||||||
9 | MODE correspondence | 1973 | |||||||||
10 | Equation of state of seawater, discussion | 1973 | |||||||||
11 | SCOR reports | 1973 | |||||||||
16 | 1 | Temperature lag correction | 1973 | ||||||||
2 | GRENOBLE (orig. title on folder), MODE and POLYMODE material | 1973, 1975 | |||||||||
3 | National Academy of Science workshop | 1973 | |||||||||
4 | Joint Panel – Density of seawater | 1973 | |||||||||
5 | MODE-I, The program and the plan | 1973 | |||||||||
6 | Conversation with N. Fofonoff about large scale…in geophysical fluid dynamics and paper by Fofonoff, Surface vs. subsurface moorings | 1973 | |||||||||
7 | Student – Harry Bryden | 1973-1977 | |||||||||
8 | University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) Advisory Council...at Harvard | 1974-1975 | |||||||||
9 | Proposal - National Science Foundation (NSF) / International Decade of Ocean Exploration (IDOE) | 1974 | |||||||||
10 | Search Committee, Harvard | 1974-1975 | |||||||||
11 | Geodetic leveling, positions on | 1974 | |||||||||
12 | Projects, meetings, etc. | 1974 | |||||||||
13 | Princeton Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (GFD) Graduate Program | 1975 | |||||||||
14 | University of Miami visit | 1975 | |||||||||
15 | Enthalphy and specific heat | 1975 | |||||||||
16 | Geodetic leveling, position on | 1975 | |||||||||
17 | Proposals / Grants | 1975, 1978 | |||||||||
18 | GFD | 1975 | |||||||||
19 | Russian material, including cruise report, R/V Akademik Vernadsky | 1976 | |||||||||
20 | Research proposals – Fofonoff | 1976 | |||||||||
21 | Research proposals | ||||||||||
17 | 1 | POLYMODE correspondence, meeting minutes | 1976 | ||||||||
2 | POLYMODE correspondence, meeting minutes | 1976-1977 | |||||||||
3 | Joint Panel of Experts on Oceanographic Tables and Standards | 1977 | |||||||||
4 | Salinity | Circa 1976 | |||||||||
5 | Presentation Annual Meeting Canadian Meteorological Society | 1977 | |||||||||
6 | Calculations | 1977 | |||||||||
7 | Telegrams, Russian | 1977 | |||||||||
8 | Harvard / WHOI interactions | 1977 | |||||||||
9 | National Science Foundation grants | 1977-1980 | |||||||||
10 | Salinity, working groups – Correspondence and documents | 1978 | |||||||||
11 | Staff Committee | 1978 | |||||||||
12 | WHOI Staff Committee, Annual Report by Fofonoff | 1978 | |||||||||
13 | “Conductivity results of atmospheric pressure” | Circa 1978 | |||||||||
18 | 1 | Comments on Millero, et al. – Equation of state of seawater | 1978 | ||||||||
2 | Equation of state of seawater | 1978 | |||||||||
3 | SCOR working group, use of SI units | 1978 | |||||||||
4 | UNESCO tables and standards | 1978 | |||||||||
5 | Compressibility results from Al Bradshaw | undated | |||||||||
6 | Standards, including Joint Panel on Oceanographic Tables and Standards – correspondence | undated | |||||||||
7 | MODE – proposals and correspondence | 1978 | |||||||||
8 | Student papers, Fofonoff interaction with students, etc. | Circa 1978-1980 | |||||||||
9 | Student, Nan Bray | 1978-1980 | |||||||||
10 | Gulf Stream Extension (GSE) | 1979 | |||||||||
11 | Joint Panel Oceanographic Tables and Standards | 1979 | |||||||||
19 | 1-2 | Original folder labeled “Gosnold 174 work 1973” various correspondence on conductivity and salinity (2ff.) | 1979 | ||||||||
3 | Grand Banks Experiment, Paul LaViolette, reports and plans | 1979 | |||||||||
4 | Translation of Doklady Akad. Nauk 1975, 22(3) p. 597-600 | 1979 | |||||||||
5 | Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) memos | 1979 | |||||||||
6 | Gulf Stream Extension Experiment | 1979 | |||||||||
7 | Conductivity – salinity algorithm | 1979 | |||||||||
8 | Gulf Stream and North Pacific current, photocopies of charts | undated | |||||||||
9 | Wind, photocopies of charts | undated | |||||||||
10 | Equations | undated | |||||||||
11 | Deep Ocean Time Series Program | undated | |||||||||
12 | Navy, long range plans | undated | |||||||||
13 | Topics in physical oceanography, lectures, various years | 1980s | |||||||||
14 | Course – EPP 216 …Group velocity … Barotrophic waves. Air-sea interaction references and references on thermoclines | 1980 | |||||||||
15 | Gulf Stream notes | 1980 | |||||||||
16 | ONR (Office of Naval Research) site review, Fofonoff introduction | 1980 | |||||||||
17 | Moorings site “L” | 1980 | |||||||||
20 | 1 | POLYMODE | 1980-1981 | ||||||||
2 | Moored Array Experiments | 1980-1981 | |||||||||
3 | Harvard correspondence | 1980-1981 | |||||||||
4 | Expendable bathythermograph (XBT) data | 1980-1981 | |||||||||
5 | Equatorial Pacific Ocean Climate Study (EPOCS) | 1981 | |||||||||
6 | Proposal, satellite communication for oceanographic research | 1981 | |||||||||
7 | Proposal, use of Pandora II / Pisces IV | 1981 | |||||||||
8 | SCOR, trip report – Germany | 1981 | |||||||||
9 | Gulf Stream paper by Armi, Fofonoff, et al. | Circa 1981 | |||||||||
10-11 | Department Chairman (2ff.) | 1981-1985 | |||||||||
12 | Gulf Stream, including University of North Carolina talk | 1982 | |||||||||
13 | Rob Reid Symposium and paper | 1982 | |||||||||
14-15 | Manuscript reviews (2ff.) | 1982-1985 | |||||||||
16 | Comments on paper by M.C. Gregg | 1983 | |||||||||
17 | Courses he taught at Harvard | 1983-1987 | |||||||||
18 | Problem sets | 1983-1987 | |||||||||
19 | References | 1983-1987 | |||||||||
21 | 1 | Article reviews, including Fofonoff and Hendry, J. Phys. Oceanogr. v.15, Physical Oceanography Department and Buoy Group memos no.7 | 1983-1985 | ||||||||
2 | Work schedules and noteworthy happenings | 1984-1987 | |||||||||
3 | Manuscripts, other authors | 1984, 1989 | |||||||||
4 | Polar oceanography notes | 1989 | |||||||||
5 | Earth and Planetary Physics (EPP) course 210 | 1984 | |||||||||
6 | Physical Oceanography Department and Buoy Group memos | 1984 | |||||||||
7 | Presentation (originally on transparencies) | 1985 | |||||||||
8 | American Geophysical Union, Fofonoff elected member | 1985 | |||||||||
9 | Notes, neutral surfaces and internal waves | 1986 | |||||||||
10 | College of Marine Studies – CMS 810 lectures and references, includes Stommel’s wind driven … | 1986 | |||||||||
22 | 1-2 | Remote sensing course, notes and lectures (2ff.) | 1986 | ||||||||
3 | Earth and Planetary Physics (EPP) 222 | 1986 | |||||||||
4-5 | EPP 200c (2ff.) | 1984 | |||||||||
6 | History of WHOI, by undergraduate student, E.R. Micheli | 1987 | |||||||||
7 | 12.758 Topics in Physical Oceanography | 1988 | |||||||||
8-9 | EPP 226, Physical Oceanography, Prof. Fofonoff and Robinson (2ff.) | 1988 | |||||||||
23 | 1 | Papers reviewed by Fofonoff | 1989-1991 | ||||||||
2 | Problem sets, courses (EPP 216, 226, etc.) | 1991 | |||||||||
3 | Visit to USSR | May 28-July 6, 1991 | |||||||||
4 | Institute of Ocean Sciences (IOS) England, email correspondence with B. Gaffron | 1991-1993 | |||||||||
5 | XBT, hydro format stuff (title of original folder) | 1991 | |||||||||
6 | Reviews and recommendation | 1994 |