Oceanography is a relatively new field of studies that has developed rapidly in recent years. It is of particular importance in the Republic of China, for Taiwan is an island with large fishery resources. Offshore oil deposits under the sea near Taiwan are possible. The Kuroshio current in the Pacific flows past Taiwan's eastern seashore, affecting the climate to a great extent. Many other factors also are closely connected with oceanography. The government made an inshore survey twenty-five years ago, and has participated since in international cooperative oceanographic research. An Institute of Oceanography was established in August 1968 at the National Taiwan University to conduct research projects as well as to train young scientists in oceanography. The facilities at the institute include a library, a number of laboratories with modern research instruments and a research vessel.
The research ship CHIU LIEN has the following measurements: length 143 ft; beam 33 ft; full displacement 900 tons; speed 12.5 knots. The air-conditioned craft is equipped with three laboratories: one for the electronic instruments, one for chemistry and the third for physics and biology. It can accommodate 17 scientists for extended cruises in the vicinity of Taiwan, the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea. The scientists regularly investigate hydrology, ocean currents, marine geology and geophysics and fishery resources. While exploring off the eastern seashore of Taiwan last summer, the research vessel discovered the existence of mineral deposits under the sea. It also cooperated with an American vessel in successful seismic studies.
Morphometic measurement of Red Snapper
Mineral sample from Philippine Sea
Researching vessel CHIU LIEN
Nansen bottle for sea water sampling
Oseilloscope abroad research vessel CHIU LIEN
Locating sediment in the vicinity of Taiwan
Sediment sampling by CHIU LIEN
