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A Monthly Feature Publication — The Stories Behind the Headlines

Full Story Inside WHAT IS THE “VALUE” OF THE BEACH?
Most people recognize that the ocean and coast contribute to the U.S. economy — whether it be through fishing, tourism, shipping, development or any number of commercial activities. But what is the value of non-market resources, such as spending a day at the beach, having wildlife and clean water at that beach or ensuring that the beach is there for your children or grandchildren to enjoy? NOAA is currently conducting valuation studies to address these questions.

Full Story Inside NOAA MONITORS STRATOSPHERIC OZONE, AS WELL AS THE CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS AND ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT ITS CONCENTRATION
NOAA uses satellite, airborne and ground-based systems to continuously monitor stratospheric ozone, as well as the chemical compounds and atmospheric conditions that affect its concentration. In doing so, NOAA has contributed vital information toward protecting the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer.

Full Story Inside NOAA AND UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA BREAK GROUND AT NEW NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER SITE
NOAA officials and representatives from the University of Oklahoma broke ground for the National Weather Center, a new building in Norman, Okla. Once completed in 2006, the building will be one of the largest research centers in the world and the premier facility for severe storm research, prediction, forecasting and warning.

NOAA Services in the Spotlight

NOAA’s COASTAL STORMS INITIATIVE
The Coastal Storms Initiative is a nationwide effort led by NOAA to lessen the impacts that storms have on coastal communities. CSI's first pilot program began earlier this year in St. Johns Watershed, Fla., with a total of nine projects addressing specific hazards-related issues. Taken together, the projects will result in a large suite of new and improved tools, data, information, forecast models and training for the coastal communities in the pilot study area.

Full Story Inside
ECOLOGICAL FORECASTING: A NEW OUTLOOK FOR NOAA
Ecological forecasts are predictions regarding the impacts of chemical, biological and physical changes on ecosystems, ecosystem components and people. NOAA is developing ecological forecasts for coastal managers in an effort to help converge wide-ranging research and observation programs addressing coastal ecosystems. NOAA's ecological forecasting efforts will help decision makers better manage the nation’s coastal resources.

Full Story Inside

November 2002

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Publication of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NOAA Public Affairs, Washington, DC.
Last Updated: 11/15/02