A legend speaks
Famed oceanographer Walter Munk recounts career, talks climate change during invited lecture
10:30 a.m., April 29, 2016--Before he even spoke a word, Walter Munk received a standing ovation.
To many of those in attendance, he is an ocean science icon, a hero who has inspired oceanographers worldwide for nearly eight decades.
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On Monday, April 25, Munk, age 98, spoke to a packed house at the University of Delaware’s Mitchell Hall, and attendees sat riveted to their seats as he discussed the evolution of his research during a special guest lecture.
“His lifetime of pioneering research, his passion for teaching and his many accolades make Dr. Munk something of a legend in this field. It is no exaggeration to say that he built and shaped the way we study and understand the ocean,” said UD Acting President Nancy Targett.
Throughout his career, Munk — known as the “Einstein of the Oceans” — has contributed to the fundamental science and practical applications of oceanography. He and colleagues from Scripps Institution of Oceanography developed amphibious warfare methods at the U.S. Navy Radio and Sound Laboratory, including wave prediction methods used during the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
“We had so much luck. Once everyone got on board, I was amazed in 3½ years what we could accomplish. When a broad [group] of people work together, there is very little you cannot do,” he said.
He pointed out, however, that not every concept he developed was met with a positive response.
“Don’t expect glories when you have a new idea. In 20 years you may go from ‘it’s a mistake and you’re wrong’ to ‘everyone knows that,’” Munk said.
Over the decades, Munk studied ocean-sound transmission, deep-sea tides, climate change, ocean currents and wave propagation. His work on the Mid-Ocean Dynamics Experiments in the 1960s and ’70s significantly improved the accuracy of tide prediction.
During this same time period, many scientists were becoming increasingly concerned about the warming climate, how human were contributing to the problem and the uncertainties surrounding what, if anything, could be done to affect change.
Today, this conversation on climate change and predicted challenges associated with sea level rise continues. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, strong evidence suggests that global sea level is rising at an increased rate and it is expected to continue to rise through this century. The major contributors: thermal expansion of the ocean due to warming and the loss of land-based ice, such as glaciers, due to increased melting.
Munk said he believes that one of an oceanographer’s most important jobs is to “adapt to changing climate and [to work to] make it less severe.”
He conceded that the work is difficult, particularly because adaptation will be different in different places. He added that while the proper steps are as yet unknown, measuring the data is the easy part.
“The second step is more difficult: getting nations to do something about it,” said Munk.
In a question-and-answer session following his talk, journalist Chris Mooney, who covers energy and environment for the Washington Post, revisited the issue, asking what society should be doing about “this thing called climate change.”
Munk quipped, “We should stop melting the ice sheets,” eliciting chuckles from the audience.
Despite his humorous approach, Munk encouraged the audience to continue working on this problem. He called the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) a “first step toward change” but said that to be successful scientists must come together in a global effort, the way the Allied forces did during World War II.
Mohsen Badiey, acting dean in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE), closed the evening saying, “From what I heard tonight, the future needs students and scientists like those we have in our college to address these major environmental challenges. I am confident that we are situated well to answer that call.”
Inspiring undergraduates
At UD, Munk helped found the Physical Ocean Science and Engineering (POSE) program, a multidisciplinary academic program designed to provide students a strong foundation in physical oceanography as well as opportunities to acquire state-of-the-art observing and modeling skills while working closely with POSE faculty.
Before returning to California, Munk had the opportunity to meet some future scientists in CEOE when he talked with undergraduate students enrolled in MAST 382 Introduction to Ocean Sciences, taught by Danielle Dixson, assistant professor in CEOE’s School of Marine Science and Policy.
He encouraged the students to gain field experience, tackle tough research problems and forge ahead, despite the challenges they will face.
“It’s perfectly acceptable to fail on good projects with a worthy cause,” Munk said. “Take chances; don’t be afraid of things not working, there are lots of unsolved first world problems; and be daring.”
This guest lecture was held during UD Institute of Global Studies’ Arctic Month celebration and was hosted by the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment.
Article by Karen B. Roberts
Photos by Kevin Quinlan and Evan Krape