The timing of these fluctuations supports the theory that sea level is the master variable controlling continental margin construction in the Bahamas and in other areas throughout the world. By drilling five sites as deep as 4,200 feet below the sea floor, in water depths as great as 2,200 feet, scientists pieced together the geologic history of the shallow Great Bahama Bank and its adjacent seaway. When the shallow platform is flooded, as it is today, sediments made of calcium carbonate accumulate and excess sediment is transported off the bank and onto its slopes. When sea level dropped in the past, calcium carbonate amounts decreased as the platform became exposed, and the platform margin partially eroded. The constant change in technology and ever increasing competition are forcing private companies to aggressively seek new employees with high levels of technological literacy, good judgment, communications and team building skills.
Industry also says it needs workers educated in science, math, engineering and technology.
Investigators at Indian River hope to formulate a national model so that flexible curricula in sciences and math will provide the skills graduates need to take on new responsibilities, and to be immediately productive in a highly technical, problem-solving work environment. Fifty percent of the nation's freshmen undergraduates begin their higher education experience at two-year schools. Business leaders emphasized the rapidly changing needs of the nation's information-based work force during NSF's recently completed review of undergraduate education. One of the recommendations in the NSF report, Shaping the Future , published this month, suggests increased partnerships and collaboration between community colleges and industry to find mutually beneficial solutions attuned to the educational needs of both. If confirmed by the Senate, the eight will replace members whose terms expired in May 1996.