APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200080002-5
international collaboration at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics and an International School of Meteorology under the sponsorship of WMO.
Italian university level instruction in meteorology is extremely inadequate with only the High Institute of Naples and the Naval Hydrographic Institute supporting Chairs of Meteorology. Satisfactory results, on a limited scale, have been achieved through university and postgraduate level courses at IFA. Despite official recognition of a need for restructuring and expanding technical, scientific, and training programs, it is considered that multiplicity of responsibility and inadequate funding will restrict early realization of these goals. A number of key Italian scientists in the field are known internationally and have published considerably on meteorology.
The Italian research effort in geodesy and gravimetry compares well with the general average of other European countries, and scientific and technical capabilities are rising slowly and are being used to augment the military and the economy potential. The Military Geographic Institute in Florence, under the Army General Staff, is the official government agency responsible for most Italian geodetic accomplishments. It is one of the best equipped facilities of its kind in Europe for research and experimental studies in geodesy and is staffed by highly competent and qualified personnel.
Horizontal control surveys have resulted in the complete revision of the national first-order triangulation network. Recent activity also has included primary and secondary triangulation work along the Ionian, Calabrian, and North-Sicilian coastal band and measurements across the strait to connect Sicily with the mainland.
Within the framework of the International Gravimetric Commission, the Observatory for Experimental Geophysics in Trieste is collecting and preparing the observational data related to the pendular and gravimetric measures for a new gravimetric standard and for the world gravimetric network. Final adjustment of these programs will be carried out with U.S. and Canadian groups.
Hydrologic and hydraulic research programs compare favorably with those of the more progressive countries in Western Europe. Research is performed at approximately a dozen modern laboratories, the majority of which are in the northern part of the country. Most are connected with universities and are financed by the government and by private contracts; all have computer facilities, and many of the laboratories have such facilities on the site. The research is mostly of an applied nature and is directed toward the production of electric power, the maximum exploitation of water resources, and the improvement of irrigation systems and navigable inland waterways. In hydrologic research, emphasis is on ground water flow, irrigation works, sediment transportation, sea and brackish water desalination, and water pollution control. Significant hydrologic research is carried out at several laboratories, with the principal one at the Institute of Hydraulics and Hydraulic Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Milan. Hydraulic research is performed on a wide variety of subjects, but the work is concerned primarily with density currents, general fluid mechanics, scour, cavitation, dynamic behavior of hydraulic machinery, and the best design and location for surge tanks, stilling basins, locks, weirs, sluice gates, spillways, valves, culverts, and siphons. Italian hydrologists and hydraulic engineers are active in national and international scientific organizations and conferences, particularly the technical committees.
Terrestrial geophysical research in Italy is conducted primarily by the universities. The University of Genoa has a geomagnetic station in northern Italy, at which continuous observations are made of geomagnetic field parameters, micropulsations, and whistlers. These data are utilized to study the characteristics of the magnetosphere. Other magnetic stations are located on the islands of Capri and Ponza and at the Vesuvian Observatory. This observatory also engages in volcano research, as does the Institute of Volcanology of the University of Catania. An Experimental Geophysics Observatory, Trieste, has included a seismological station equipped to conduct marine seismic surveys. The Observatory has engaged also in privately financed geophysical exploration activity.
Oceanography in Italy has for several years suffered from inadequate funding. Although annual appropriations for science have increased significantly each year, such programs as oceanography can only be financed adequately at the expense of basic research, which receives most of the research and development funds. To rectify this situation, the Commission for Oceanography of the CNR has prepared a report on the present status of oceanographic research and on plans and requirements for the period 1972-76. In addition to the list of program goals, the report mentions the scarcity of well trained scientists and technicians and estimates that 300 new people will need to be added to this field during the buildup period. To support the proposed programs adequately, funds must be increased from $4.5 million in 1972 to
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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200080002-5
