SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR INFORMATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00141R000200300001-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 24
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 19, 1999
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: August 29, 1958
• Content Type: REPORT

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SOVIET BLOC INT~,Q-~.~y~~~ _~~~ T N
August 29, 1958
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF C0MNERCE
Office of Technical Services
Washington 25, D. C.
Published Weekly from February 14, 1958, to January 2, 1959
Subscription Pri.e $10.00 for the Series
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i'LEASE NOTE
This report presents unevaluated information on Soviet
Bloc International Geophysical Year activities selected
from foreign-language publications as indicated in paren-
theses. It is published as an aid to United States G0V-
ernment research
SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR INFORMATION
Table of Contents
I. Rockets and Artificial Earth Satellites
II. Upper Atmosphere
III. Meteorology
IV. Glaciology
V. Oceanography
VI. Arctic and Antarctic
15
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I. ROC S AND ARTIFICIAL EARTH SATELLITES
Soviet Scientist on Cosmic Ray Studies With Satellites
L. Kurnosova, Candidate of Physicomathematical Sciences, Physics
Institute Iimeni P. N. Lebedev, Academy of Sciences USSR (Moscow), in
an article entitled "Certain Results of Investigation Using Artificial
Earth Satellites," writes as follows on the intensity of cosmic rays.
"The problem of measuring the intensity and the variation of the
intensity of cosmic rays was set forth in a number of other scientific
problems with the aid of Sputnik II.
"Two halogen cosmic ray counters installed in the satellite made
it possible to measure the full flow of cosmic x ' at different alti-
tudes, the variation of intensity with latitude, and also the so-called
variation of the intensity of cosmic rays, that is, the variation of the
intensity with time. The magnitude of the variations in the intensity
of cosmic radiation has a significant value,, both for the solution of
problems concerning the origin of cosmic rays, as well as for investigat-
ing the character of the emission of corpuscular flows by the Sun and
an understanding of the nature of the magnetic storms associated with
them.
"Up to now, variations of the intensity of cosmic rays were investi-
gated mainly on the surface of the Earth, that is, the variations of sec;-.
ondary radiation, a considerable part of which are brought about by the
influence of meteorological factors, were studied. At the same time, the
intensity of low energy particles most subject to changes, were studied.
But these particles almost never enter in the flow of charged particles
near the surface of the Earth. Therefore, studying the variation of cosmic
rays on the surface of the Earth does not give the opportunity to register
all variations of cosmic rays which exist. It should be noted, however,
that measuring variations at different altitudes on the basis of theoreti-
cal presentations developed by the Soviet physicists Ye. L. Feynberg and
L. I. Dorman, it is possible to exclude the influence of -meteorological fac-
tors and to determine the variations of the primary flow of cosmic rays.
But such measurements require a wide network of station , and the results
obtained are associated with a number of hypotheses, the correctness of
which in certain cases requires experimental confirmation. Therefore, it
is clear that the study of the variations of cosmic rays by other methods
cannot rival their study by a satellite. Work on cosmic rays was conducted
by S. N. Vernov, corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences USSR, and
N. L. Grigorov, Yu. I. Logachev and A. Ye. Chudkov, scientific associates
of the Moscow State University.
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"The installation of instruments in the satellite made it possible
to secure in principle the different variations of the intensity of cosmic
rays?
"Processing the results of the measurements of cosmic ray intensities,
verified with the aid of 'counters, made it possible to show the relationship
of the number of particles to altitude at great distance from the Earth's
surface. It is well known that the curve of relationship of the intensity
of cosmic rays to altitude has a characteristic form: up to an altitude
of approximately 20 kilometers an increase in intensity is observed; after
20 kilometers, it falls; and beginning with 40 kilometers it remains approx-
1zately constant. The data obtained with the aid of the satellite showed
that with an altitude of the satellite up to 700 kilometers, an increase in
the intensity of cosmic radiation was observed of approximately 40 percent
in comparison with that observed at an altitude of 200 kilometers.
"The increase in intensity at altitudes greater than 200 kilometers
which were covered by the satellite was dependent on two factors. The"screer.-~
ing" action of the Earth decreased in proportion to the distance the satellite
traveled away from its surface. This is due to the fact that cosmic ray par-
ticles, despite their tremendous energies cannot travel through the Earth's
mass. Therefore, only the cosmic rays 'from above' are registered. Actually
the cosmic rays in space arrive from all directions almost uniformly (that is
to say, cosmic rays in space are distributed isotropically). Consequently, an
instrument moving In space away from a planet will record twice as many par-
ticles as the same instrument at a distance of several tens of kilometers from
the surface of the Earth. This variation in the number of particles registered
by the instrument takes place gradually, with respect to its travel away from
the Earth. At a distance of 1,500 kilometers, the increase in intensity, owing
to this factor, consists of ^'15 percent.
"The other reason for the increase in intensity is that the deflecting
action of the Earth's magnetic field has a bearing on what level over the
Earth's surface the particles will reach. The closer the level is to the
Earth's surface, the greater the deflecting action, and the less the number of
particles reaching the level. Hence, it is clear that the higher the altitude
over the Earth, the greater will be the number of particles penetrating the
magnetic field and reaching the instrument.
"As a result of experiments on the satellite, data on the relationship of
the number of particles to latitude and longitude were also obtained. It is
now possible to draw certain conclusions' concerning the fact that lines of
equal cosmic ray intensity do not coincide with the geomagnetic parallels, as
expected on the basis of theory. Thus, there exists a divergence between char-
acteristics of the Earth's magnetic field obtained on the basis of studying
cosmic rays by the satellite, on the. one hand, and as a result of measuring the
magnetic field on the surface of the Earth, on the other. Daring the satellite's
flight, the instruments recorded a sharp change in the intensity of cosmic rays,
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whilr: the ground station reCj strations of cosmic rays did not disclose any
marked, variations of intensity. It is possible that this phenomenon is as-
rocirttedl with the generation of low-energy particles by the Sun which are
hi(;hly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere.
"Future systematic study of the intensity of cosmic rays and its changes
with time, with the aid of instruments installed in satellites, will make it
possible to solve a number of interesting and important problems connentAd
w1th the origin of cosmic rays it (Priroda,
No 6, Jun 58, pp 85-86). CPYRGHT
West German Data On Sputnik I Published
The text of a review by J. J. Wisotzki of a monograph entitled Radio-
beobachtungen des crsten kuenstlichen Erdsatelliten (Radio Observations of
the First Artificial Satellite of the Earth), by W. Priester, H. J. Bennewitz,
and P. Lengruesser., (38 pages, 21 illustrations, Westdeutscher Verlag Kocln
and Opladen, DM 8.50), reads as follows:
"Four months aft* the launching of the first Soviet earth satellite, the
first survey report o the most essential observation is now available.
"The results of o servations of the observatories of the Physics Institute
of the University of B )nn, of the Electrophysical Institute of Munich Tech;-
nische Hochsthule, and o the Darmstadt Radio Contrul Testing Station were com-
piled and collectively evaluated. The observation and data processing sta-
tions were organized a d equipped for observing the planned US satellite. The
conversion was effecte rapidly, however, with the result that valuable data
was collected.
"From the measur ent of the Doppler effect and of the received field
strength of the two satellites, conclusions could be drawn on the orbital ele-
ments and their change throtgh air resistance and precession. For example, an
air density of 4.7 ? 11-13 g cm-3 was determined for an altitude of 225 kilo-
meters.
"The test results (in part as reproductions of the original oscillograms),
the method of evaluati g them, and the results [of the evaluation] are given in
the report.
"The presentation
menu of the Problem." (Berlin, Experimentelle Technik der Physik, Vol 6, No 2,
1958, p 94) CPYRGHT
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F1.rst ,-lovIet Photographs of Sputnik III Taken in Moscow
"The first successful photographing of both Sputnik III and its
carrier rocket by Moscow observers was done on the night of 8 August.
"The photographing was performed. by Yu. Sentsova and R. Khatnik,
:orkers of the Station for Photographic Observations of the Astronomical
Council, Academy of Sciences USSR. The photographs turned out well.
They Live an accurate presentation of the satellite's location in orbit."
(Moscow, Izvestiya, 9 Aug 5
II. UPPER ATMOSPHERE
Meteor Echoes Observed at Ashkhabad
Observations of meteor activity under the IGY program conducted in
Ashkhabad in 1957 are described in a Turkmen scientific journal under the
title, "Radar Observations of Meteor Activity in Ashkhabad from July to
September 1957," by Yu. L. Truttse, A. Khanberd.yyev and A. T. Belous, In-
stitute of Physics and Geophysics, Academy of Sciences, Turkmen SSR. Tables
showing the number of meteor echoes recorded. are presented. A complete
translation of the article follows.
"Regular radar observations of meteor activity according to the IGY
program were begun on 1 July 1957 in the Ashkhabad Astrophysical Laboratory
(Ashlkhabad, Garden of Kesh, longitude 3 hours 53 minutes 23 seconds, lati-
{udc 37057'). The following parameters of meteor activity were registered:
(1) the number of meteor echoes per unit of time; (2) the moment of the
ricteor's flight; (3) the slant range; and (4) the duration of the echo.
"Observations were conducted on a standard radar apparatus with a
,pulse power of 80 kilovolts, a carrier frequency of 72.0 megacycles, and a
pulse txlpctition rate of 50 cycles per second. A sever.-e_lemeat "YagZ1 type antenna in-
toward the horizon at an angle of 22 degrees was used.. The antenna
ec directed to the west. The center point of the antenna was located at a
he 'ht of two wave lengths. The installation is equipped for automatic
op- ensuring the starting and stopping of the apparatus in cases of the
,;.1 down of the electric network in the absence of observers. The volt-
'1 ,c i eed.in,; the equipment is stabilized.
"The registration of meteor echoes was performed. with a photographic at-
tach...ent manufactured by the Kharkov Polytechnic Institute. This attach-
merit ensures a sufficiently reliable selection of meteor echoes amid noises.
The registration is made on type RF-3 motion picture film. During observa-
tions, distance markings for every 50 kilometers and time markings from a
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chronometer are automatically registered on the film. Each hour on the film is
plotted with the aid of an imitator of the markings of artificial meteor echoes of
standard duration. This makes the determination of the duration of the echoes
possible. Film speed is 310 millimeters per second. The film speed was increased
in comparison to that recommended with the aim of decreasing the general background
noises.
"During the period July to September 1957, observations were conducted for
630 hours, The observation conditions were rather unfavorable beceuse of the high
noise level, particularly in the daytime. In all, 1,760 meteor echoes were observed
Of these, 115 had a duration of more than one second. The number of meteor echoes
per hour for each month are given in the following tables.
Table 1. July 1957
GMt
01
02
03
04
05
06
, 18
19
25
26
27
28
3t
00-01
--
1
4
--
4
1
--
0
4
--
2
0
2.00
01-02
5
--
5
7
2
0
3.00
02-03
8
4
5
4
2
3.58
03-04
--
--
2
7
2
5
2
.17
04.05
3
8
2
4
5
2
58
05-06
3
13
4
0
6
.
00
06-0.7
6
4
11
2
2
3
2
.
.88
i
07-08
2
3
2
4
4
2
.38
08-09
1
--
--
--
2
0
0
2
0
.83
09-10
0
--
--
--
0
0
0
6
0
.00
10-11
0
--
--
--
0
0
1
9
2
3
.14
11-12
2
3
0
--
--
3
i
.67
12-13
4
4
1
--
--
--
7
2
86
13-14
2
4
1
0
3
6
3
4
.
i
-
i
38
--
2.87
3.18.
.11
.20
5 .
2.2
8
82
9
2.16
1.81 .
2.36
.
n
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Table P. Au u s t
GMT
103 104
105 106
U]1 ill i
t 12 I 13 I
14
15 I 25 I 26
rho-01
-
-
5
J3
13
60
7
101?-02
0
I
2
J
8
6
10
,
13
01-03
2
4
7
2
7
5
9
4,
89
4
03-04
I
'
3
0
3
2
3
7
7
.
3
22
04 - u;,
j
-
5
v
5
2
3
,
UU
4
05-06
0
7
3
1
4
,12
.
13
4
06-07
-
7
4
4
,
50
5
7
:1
3
5
.
08-09]
J !
, I
4
3
5
.u
5
4,34
3
7u
09-I()
-
11
3
.5
8
7
3
?I
,
4
67
I0-11
;1
4
I
9
9
a
,
3
38
I J-12
S
2
3
4
4
3
,
3
00
12-13.
-1
-
5
,
3-11
-
I
31
5
8
5
3
5,34
5
00
4-15
S
-
5
3
1
7
,
4
84
16?-le
16
17
4
6
4I
2
15
1
4
5
,
4,40
--
17--J8
7
2
3
5
1
11
6
3,89
3
75
18-19
-
5
I?
4
9
0
,
3
63
1Y-YU
2
5
8
6
12
.
,
6
00
20-21
2
4
2,
1
7
6
8
12
8
,
5
56
21-22
22-23
3
I
6
3
7
4
,
4.43
23?-?24
'-'
4
JU
7
5
6
25
3.98 3,6l
1.1.1
:3,85
5,r8
5,911
S,GI)
4,53
5',15
3,34
.
3.
September
GMT
I 01 1
04
12
Ill
.14 J ~i
119
20'1 21
'i2 23
124
125
126
27
1
!
i
0-01
1-02
-
-
-
-
-.
-
HI
U
4
-
-
3
d
-
2
-
3
2
-
1
-
_
_
2-03
-.-
-
_
- f J
6
-.
-
U
I
-
3
2
0
-
-
I
0
I
''2
14
1,
'2
00
3-114
1-05
-
-
-
-
-
- -
- --
2
_'
-
5
-
_
-
j
-
-
-
l
2
.
1,67
5-U6I
-07
-
-
-
--
I
7
- 2
- 2
1
3
--
4
U
0
2
2
i
l
7-U8
3
--
?'
- o
I
u
I
I
- 1
-
3
8-09
6
I_
5
_ _
r3
I
9-1(1
-
-
41
-
_
2
-
-
1
-
2.86
0-II
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
-
3
-
5.50?
1-12
-
-
-
- -
3
2
-
1
-
3
-
2.00
2-13
-
2.00
3-14
l
3
-
0
-
A
-15
41
i
_
-16
-
-
-
-
I
-
-
-
-
6--17
7-18
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
2
I
I
-
0
1.67
0.75
8-141
-
-
--
2
-
-
4
3
-
-
2
3
-
-
I
3
2
2
1
1
0
I
1.57
2
14
9-2U
-21
-
-
-
-
2 --
-
-
--
-
-
3
4
2
1
2
1
.
1,67
I -21
-
-
--
-
3
0
-
-
-
2
-
1
0
--
1
1
0
0
1
0
1,57
1
00
2-23
3-21
-
5
-
-
-
2
-
-
0
0
-
-
1
3
-
6
I
-
I
1
1
.
.00
-
4,50
-
5,40
2,0
1,83
--
2,78
-
1,40
1,89
1,88
6
i,0
1
3,72
-
2,36
3
,43
0
.4
0
0
74
2,00
0
82
1
1
1
1
1
,
1
.
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CPYRGHT
"In tables 1, 2 and 3, the following symbols are used: r". --
the average niunber of meteor choes per hour for a given hour; n' -- the
average number of meteor ech s per hour for a given day; and a dash de-
notes no observations.
"The distribution of met~or echoes according to slant range is given
in the following table.
R 70-79 8o-89 90-99 loo-1
13 9 15 27
R 160-169 170-179 180-189
94 108 107
R 240-249 250-259 260-269
82 55 55
R 320-329
43
Table 4
9 110-119 120-129.130-139 140-149 150-159
36 4o 47 73 63
190-199 200-209 210-219 220-229 230-239
86 66 86 89 59
270-279 280-289 290-299 300-309 310-319
58 46 48 34 29
"In Table 4, the followir symbols are used: R -- slant range; N
the number of meteor echoes. If
"Further observationa g4processing of materials is being "
(Izvestiya Akademii Nauk Turkmenskoy SSR, No 3, 1958, pp 118-120) CPYRGHT
i
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Short-Period Forecasting of Troposphere Shifts
S. V. Nemchinov of the Institute of Physics of the Atmosphere, Academy
of Sciences USSR, solves a linearized system of thermohydrodynamic equations
in a quasigecstrophic approximation, taking into account the stratification
and basic factors of a baroclinic model of the atmosphere.
The obtained solution for nonzonal shifts in the altitude of the abso-
lute topography in the lower and middle troposphere is used for a 24-hour
forecast of the 1,000-millibar barometric surface of the atmosphere. (Moscow,
Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Geofizicheskaya, No 6, Jun 58, pp 752764)
IV. GLACIOLOGY
Soviets Use Geophysical Methods for Determining Glacier Structure
The Zailiyskiy Glacier Expedition of the Academy of Sciences, Kazakh SSR,
working under the IGY program, has conducted field determinations of the
structure of the Tuyuks glacier by geophysical methods. This work was done
in the summer of 1957 and winter of 1958 on the Central Tuyuks Glacier.
The determination of the thickness and structure of the glacier's ice
by methods of electrical and magnetic prospecting was part of the program of
investigations.
The seismic method of determining the thickness of ice has a number of
shortcomings -- high cost of apparatus, the comparatively large complement
needed for staffing, and the difficulty of transporting such cumbersome equip-
ment in high mountain regions. These factors led to a search for other, more
practical methods of geophysical investigation for solving this problem.
The results of certain work conducted on the Central Tuyuks Glacier is
presented by B. A. Borovinskiy in "The Experience of Using Geophysical Methods
in the Investigation of the Tuyuks Glacier."
In the work of electrical prospecting, an EP-1 potentiometer was used
and a method of measuring somewhat different, than usual. The feed electrodes
were made up of steel stakes in groups of three and the receiver electrodes,
of single copper stakes. A BAS-80 dry battery was used as a source of power.
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The thickness of the ice was found by electrical sounding of a ommon
s;/innet:lrical and combined arrangement. The usual VEZ (vertical electrical
sounding) apparatus placed as usual, was spaced along the glacier's axis,
as well as in the form of a cross, along and across the glacier's axes.
Combined sounding was carried out in this way: one feed electrode was
placed in the rock bordering the glacier and the other electrodes were shifted
along its axis, one up and the other down.
Two measurements of the apparent specific electrical resistance were
made for each spacing in the combined sounding.
Sounding by the usual symmetrical arrangement was conducted in the sum-
mer of 1957. In February 1958, combined sounding was used, making it possi-
ble to construct geoelectrical profiles more accurately depicting the struc-
ture of the section than profiles constructed according to the symmetrical
soundings, since inhomogeneities appear in each semispace. Combined sound-
ing facilitates grounding.
The principal difficulties in the process of sounding the glacier arose
as a result of the low sensitivity of the receiver line, the difficulty of
establishing a good ground, and constant winds preventing measurements.
Magnetometric observations were conducted with the M-2 magnetometer.
The primary magnetometric problem consisted in improving the profiles of the
contours of the rock and of determining the boundaries of the vein, dikes,
and fractures in the glacier's rock bed.
Interpretation of the VEZ curves revealed the electrical inhomogeneity
of this structure. According to the electrical conductivity, it was possible
to distinguish a two-layer structure of the ice. An upper layer with low
specific electrical resistance at a depth of 0 to 15 meters and a lower layer
of high specific electrical resistance. In addition, it was possible to
distinguish a bottom layer of lower electrical resistance.
A study of the temperature regime showed an irregularity in the distri-
bution of temperature with depth. The temperature curve, as does the VEZ
curve, distinguishes a particular zone at a depth of 0 down to 15-20 meters.
A geoelectric cross section was compiled as follows. The VEZ curve of
eaLh semispace was interpreted accordingly on graph sheets. The boundary
layers obtained were related to surface points which lie at a distance of
twice the depth of the boundaries from the center of the sounding in the
direction of the given semispace. The geological structure of the regiox
was calculated. After determining the thickness of the ice at several
points, they were tied in with magnetometric graphics.
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Visual investigation of the rock in the given region makes it possible
to assume that the rock at the bottom of the glacier is uniform according to
their own magnetic properties, and therefore it is proposed that variations
of the magnetic field are caused by changes in the relief of the bed. For
eliminating the effect of the relief of the ice surface, graphics were re-
duced to one altitude. After interpretation, profile of the glacier tongue
was constructed.
Borovinskiy concludes by saying that the geophysical method of deter-
mining the thickness of ice gives good results with a small expenditure of
capital and time. Expensive and cumbersome apparatus are not required for
such work, and the entire operation of transportation and observations can
be carried out by three or four men.
The method was used only on glaciers of limited thickness (up to 150
meters), and, says Borovinskiy, it is not known to what extent it can be
applied to thicker glaciers. (Vestnik Akademii Nauk Kazakhskoy SSR, No 5
(158), May 58, pp 40-44)
New Glacier Found in Khibiny Mountains
V. F. Perov, of the Khibiny Geographic Station of the Moscow State
University imeni M. V. Lomonosov, reports the discovery of the first fire
glacier in the Khibiny Mountains. The finding was made in September 1957
during field work being conducted under the IGY program.
The glacier is located in the northern part of the Lyavochorr mountain
range, in the upper reaches of a short glacial troug:.i of the main right
tributary of the Kaliok River. The body of the glacier forms an amphithea-
ter almost abutting the edge of the plateau. The ;..acier is not large, be-
ing 300 by 80 meters, or about 0.02 square kilometers.
The absolute altitude of the upper edge is 1,073.2 meters, with the
highest point of the mountain being 1,172.0 meters. The location of the
glacier near the brow of the plateau and the strongly drawn out form mattes
it necessary to classify the glacier as a stationary drift-type fire gl4cier.
The glacier lies almost due north, the azimuth of its axis being 350
degrees and the slope of its surface, 34-36 degrees. The thickness of the
ice, judging from. its shape and measurements, can be of an order of only
several meters. The cross section of the glacier is arched, and mound-like
bulges are found on the otherwise smooth surface. A very thin layer of
firn, frequently several centimeters in thickness, covers the surface of the
ice, A considerable part of the area is free of even this thin layer. Then,
the dense turbid firn ice appears, permeated with numerous miniature run-off
channels.
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TTncre. i u lmoa t no firn cover on thu glace er . This :L 'A related to the
unusual meteorological cir. c'amst.tnces of the past, year. Little now fell in
the winter of 1956-1957, and the following summer was rather warm. The
glacier was found at the end of the thaw period, at which time only its
bare nucleus was seen.
The active crashing of rock on the edges of the glacier was noted.
The rubble had fresh fragments and sharp edges,.
Perov says that the finding of the glacier was not accidental, as the
existence of snow remaining through the ntumner and the presence of avalanche
activity indicated the possibility of finding embryonic forms of glaciation.
It is possible that this glacier in the Lyavo^..horr mountain range is
not the only one in the "hibiny. However, It already has aroused definite
scientific interesat from the viewpoint of the formation and activity of
glaciers in their embryonic form. (Priroda, No 7, Jul 58, p 88)
Heat Balance Studies of Atlantic Ocean
The components of the heat balance of the Atlantic Ocean, calculatird
per unit of its surface, were dete:-.znlned in a. rumbe r of interesting and
important regions during voyages of the oceanographic ship Sedov. These
investigations are reported by V. V. Shuleykin, V. F. Gushchin, and P. 1.
Peskov in an article titled "Fluct.)ations of the Heat Balance of the Atlantic
Ocean."
Fluctuations of all the components and their day-to-day totals to be
used in Pxrther investigations on the thermic, of the Atlantic Ocean Associ-
ated with the transfer of heat from layer to layer and with.-the fixed tem-
perature regime of the wate are analyzed for the first time.
The excess of amplitude of the diurnal fluctuations of heat balance
over the flactuaations of heat balance from, once is ..i..tudinal zone to the other
and from month 4.o month is presented.
The role of in :_ontrolling evaporation from the sur-
face of the ocean is sharply manifested., (Isvestiya Akademli Na:ak SSSR,
Seriya Geofizicheskaya, No 6, Jun 58, pp 729-71+0)
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Prtcii'ic_De' wat r Trench Discovered by Vityylz
The operations of the Sovic*, expeditionary ship Vityaz, Institute of
Oceanology, Academy of Science USSR, under the IGY program included de-
tailed studiea of the bottom relief of the Pacific Ocean, particularly its
deepwater trenches. These, as is known, are long,nawrrow, and deep depres-
sions with steep sides. They form an almost con'.inu.ov.s bell. along the
western brim of the Pacific Ocean from. Alaska to New Zealand and then along
the eastern margin of the ocean near the shores of South and Central America.
Most of these trenches were discovered at the end of the .last cen-t-Lry and
the beginning of this one. The last to be discovered was the Gtia;enalan
Trench. After that time (the 1930s) n6 new deepwra,ter trenches were discov-
ered. However, with the use of modern research techaiique (pathometers)
much new material has been introduced in representation of the morphology
and maximum depths of these trenches.
The discovery of the northern half of the Kurile -Kamchatha depressions
and the western end of the Aleutian was made in 1953 by the Vityaz. In 1957
the Vityaz considerably added to the knowledge of the maxinram depths in the
Tonga and Marianna depressions, finding depths of 10, 841 and 10,990 meters,
respectively.
G. B. Udintsev, Candidate of Geographical Sciences, In,3 titute of
Oceariolo,c.y, Academy of Sciences USSR, discloses the "Di,,coeery of a. Deep-
water' "trench in Uie Western Part of the Pacific Ocean." by the Vityaz.,
In February 1958 the Vityaz cruised north along the meridian, 170 16 E.
The path of the vessel passed through the north Fiji. depree,,61on and a. large
underwater mountain which bounded this hollow on the north.. This underwater
mountain extended approximately along the meridian, 12 S i.n a direction away
from the islands of Samoa and Santa Cruz. The depths in. the north Fiji de-
pression va-ried by about 3,300 meters, sharply decreasing -While crossing
the underwater mountain in the region of Mitre island and the Stzathm.ore
Barilts (200-300 meters); then to the north of this mcean+alm the depths in-
creased rapidly down to 6,100 meters. Further nowt:c.~ the depths again de-
creased up to 4,';00-5,000 meters in the region of the bottom of t}b.e depres-
sion limited on the east by the Ellice and Gilbert Islends and on the north
by the Nkzrshall>s.
A deep, narrow trench, was crossed by the 'Ii.tya z in the region of 10
25 S. A cross section of the Trench showed it to he V-shaped, wd.th very
steep sides. Its bottom, almost iiorizonta.i, was about y miles wide. 'fie
greatest depth measured by the V ityaz was 6,1)+0 meters This iren.' h wars a
pruviuu3ly undiscovered feature of the unclerwat.et relief of this region and
definitely not typical of a great expanse of the bottom.
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It wax, also unusual, because, judging from the gene:-al area, saxrouilded
by islands, no such depths could be supposed to exist.
The geolugical significance of this discovery is evident if the location
of the new trench is considered in connection with other large-scale struc-
tures of the bottom relief. A striking feature of the relief of the western
margin of the Pacific Ocean is the almost continuous chain of deepwater
trenches (the Aleutian, Kurile-Kamchatha, Japan, Ryukyu, Philippine, Bonin,
Marianna Yap, Palau, Bougainville, New Hebrides, Tonga, and Kermadec). Each
of these trenches is linked with large-scale mountain structures which are
either peninsulas, island groups, or underwater ridges. These mountain
structures have received the name of island arcs, since they are mostly
connected with chains of islands curved in the form of an are.
The island arcs and deepwater trenches together form a single, extremely
characteristic morphological complex. The connection of this morphological
complex with such geological phenomena as high seismicity, deep fractures,
active volcanism, high gravimetric anomalies, and a boundary of distribution
of andesite rock is notable. Finally, attention falls on the association of
island arcs and deepwater trenches with the outer boundary zone of the conti-
nental slope, the zone of transition between the continents and the ocean
bed. This is accepted as a basis by many for considering island arcs and,
deepwater trenches as specific forms of the relief of the transition zone; also
many see in them the morphological expression of the characteristic struc-
tural peculiarities of the present highly active geosynclinal zone.
The chain of deepwater trenches on the we;tern margin of the Pacific
Ocean appears to be continuous, all having the same fault. They are associ-
ated for the most part with the transition zone from one system of island
arcs to another and with a thinning out of the trenches interlinked with this
system. Usually, the extent of the breaks between the trenches on the west-
ern margin of the ocean are not considerable. However, in two regions the
breaks between them are very large. These are the b:res.ks between the Philip-
pine and Bougainville trenches and between he New Hebrides and Tonga trenches.
The trench discovered by the Vityaz is exactly in the locale of the
second of these breaks, being, as it were, a missing link in the enormous chain
of deepwater trenches. Judging from the Vityaz data, this trench is smaller
than the others. However, morphologically it is rather well defined. As in
the other trenches, it is connected with a mountain structure -- an underwater
mountain ridge supporting the islands of Ellice, Mitre, .aaff, and numeroug
banks. While the trench has comparatively small depths, its adjoining moun-
tain structure also has a comparatively low height, the greater part of the
latter being covered by the ocean. Thus, on the whole this morphological
system is not as sharply expressed as its neighboring systems, for example,
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the Tonga Island arc and trench. It can be supposed that this morphological
complex occurred in the relatively early stages of the development and ac-
cordingly reflects the earlier stages of the development of a given part, of
the zone of transition. Consequently, the results obtained by the Vityaz aid
in fully understanding the order of the development of the transition zone on
the western margin of the Pacific. A more detailed investigation of the
trench discovered by the Vityaz must be the subject of future investigations.
The name of the Vityaz was given to the newly discovered trench, as is
the custom for trenches where there is no adjoining island arc or land.
The maximum depth of the depression discovered by the Vityaz known at
present is 6,140 meters. (Priroda, No 7) Jul 58, pp 85-88)
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Antarctic Station Komsomol'skaya
The station Komsomol'skaya, located at 74 05 S and 97 29 E, was es-
tablished on 7 March 1957. In addition to conducting scientific studies,
the station, which is near the south geomagnetic pole, was also meant to
serve as a landing field for airplanes and a supply base for various kinds
of freight, fuel, and building materials, on the way to the interior sta-
tions Vostok and Sovetskaya.
Scientific observations conducted at the station included meteorology,
actinometric measurements, launching of radiosondes, and magnetic and gla-
ciological research.
The maximum temperature during the entire period of operation of
Komsomol'skaya was minus 19.6 degrees Centigrade during the warmest month,
i.e., December. The minimum pressure was 450-460 millimeters.
Actinometric observations included measurements of the total solar
radiation, reflected and scattered radiation, and the radiation balance of
the active surface. The results of these observations are now being proc-
essed and carefully analyzed..
The data on gradient temperature observations enable scientists to
analyze changes in temperature of the snow layer and of the air at various
depths and elevations. Thermal elements were determined at the following
levels: in the snow, at depths of 3.2, 1.6, 1.2, 0.8, 0.4, and 0.2 meters;
and on the snow surface and in the air, at elevations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2
meters. Gradient observations at this station were conducted four times
daily.
Magnetic observations included the determination of absolute ele-
ments of the constant magnetic field, as well as research on the nature
of magnetic disturbances, i.e., of the variable magnetic field in the
area of the station.
To determine the normal daily course of variations of magnetic ele-
ments and the nature of their disturbances, a systematic registration
of the variations of declination D. the horizontal N, and the vertical
Z, components of the earth's magnetic field, was made. The observations
indicated a marked change of magnetic variations in the area of station
Komsomol'skaya and disclosed their normal daily variations with the fol-
lowing amplitudes of their fluctuations by elements: for the declination,
up to 1.5-2.0 degrees; and for the horizontal and vertical components,
more than 300-400 gammas.
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Preliminary calculations of absolute determinations make it possible
to establish the following values of magnetic elements for the area of
station Komsomol'skaya: western magnetic declination in degrees, 95.5;
horizontal component in oersteds, 0.13200; and vertical component in
oersteds, 0.61400.
Preliminary data on glaciological research have disclosed that the
temperature within the snow layer increases at first with depth and equals
minus 54.7 degrees Centigrade at a depth of 4-6 meters. With increasing
depth, i.e., up to 15 meters, the temperature remains stable at 53.9
degrees Centigrade and remains unchanged at even greater depths. Inside
the snow layer is a so-called zone of zero temperature gradient. As
confirmed by numerous observations of several scientists, the tempera-
ture of the zone of zero temperature gradient in different places on the
Earth is the mean annual temperature of the air above the surface of the
given area.
Meteorological and aerological observations at the station Komsomol'-
skaya indicate a very strong cyclonic activity in the atmosphere above the
antarctic snow plateau, with a deep penetration of the cyclones. Further
observations and the accumulation of data from all antarctic scientific
stations are very valuable, not only for the study of the climate of
Antarctica and the Southern Hemisphere, but also for determining the
influence of the Antarctic continent on the general atmospheric circula-
tion of the Earth. -- V. Pelevin, chief of station Komsomol'skaya
(Moscow, Morskoy Flot, No 7, Jul 58)
Geophysical Rerearch in Antarctica
The geophysical detachment of the Soviet Antarctic Expedition at
Mirnyy has conducted stationary observations in the fields of seismology,
terrestrial magnetism, and the ionosphere. The magnetic and seismic
pavilions were built at a distance of about 300 meters from the main
group of buildings of the settlement and electric station, and about 450
meters from the transmitting radio center, in order to eliminate the ef-
fect of mechanical and electromagnetic interference on the readings of
sensitive instruments. The pavilion for ionospheric research and the
antenna field required for this purpose were located at the end of the
settlement, 300 meters away from the transmitting radio center.
Seismological Research
During the first 7 months of operation of the seismic station
at Mirnyy, under seismologist A. D. Sytinskiy, almost 200 earthquakes'
were registered. However, in only 20 percent of the cases was it pos-
sible to determine the coordinates of the epicenters, and for about 50
percent of the earthquakes it was possible to calculate the epicentral
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distances. In the antarctic region only a few earthquakes have been
recorded. The focuses of most of the earthquakes registered were lo-
cated in the southwest part of the Pacific seismic zone, near the islands
of Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji. No earthquakes have been observed on the
continent of Antarctica itself. A confirmation of this fact in the
future will have great significance in the study of the geological history
of this continent.
The seismograms obtained in Mirnyy are continuously registering,
in addition to earthquakes, periodical small earth tremors called micro-
seisms. They result from a special kind of ocean waves during the pas-
sage of a cyclone. The fluctuations of water masses are transmitted to
the ocean bottom and spread over very great distances. In the area of
Mirnyy, frequent cyclones occur and their centers pass to the north of
Mirnyy.
There are installations for registering microseisms according
to the indicators of seismographs, located at some distance from one
another. This makes it possible to trace the course of the movement of
a cyclone in the ocean, where the network of meteorological points is
usually widely scattered. Therefore, the study of the connections be-
tweer microseismic tremors and the synoptic conditions in this region
may be useful for weather forecasts. Much attention is being given to
the study of the relations between microseisms and meteorological proc-
esses.
At present only general information on the nature of micro-
seisms, their period, and amplitude is available. During the winter and
spring period, when the surface of the sea is covered with ice for hun-
dreds of kilometers, microseisms with a tremor period of 6-10 seconds
are especially frequent. During the summer and fall period, with the
approach of the ice edge to the shore, micr oseisms with a shorter period
and an increased amplitude of tremors, up to 7,4, occur more frequently.
Therefore, on the background of these microseisme, it becomes difficult
to process the earthquake readings. In some cases, a sudden increase of
the amplitude of microseismic tremors was noted, which was apparently
connected with the crossing of a boundary by a cyclone center: (a) of a
sharp change in the ocean depth or (b) of the division between various
geological structures on the ocean bottom.
Study of the Ionosphere
The study of electromagnetic phenomena and of the upper atmosphere
during the years of maximum solar activity is of special interest. The
maximum solar activity during 1957-1958 is noted for its extreme intensity,
which had not been observed before. Therefore, it may be expected that
the effect of solar radiation on the upper atmosphere during this period
will be very intense.
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An automatic ionospheric station for the study of the ionosphere
has been installed in Mirnyy. With the help of a motion-picture camera,
the high-frequency characteristic is fixed on the film, and this makes
it possible to obtain a picture of the condition of the ionosphere at a
j;lven time.
Long-distance radio contact between Mirnyy and Moscow on short
waves is usually maintained during the evening and night. It has been
observed in this connection that during this period radio waves are
propagated mainly over a shorter distance (15,000 kilometers), while in
the afternoon hours the more intense signals passed through the zone of
the South and North poles (25,000 kilometers).
Some peculiarities of the propagation of radio waves -- of the
"ground" wave -- above the ice mass have been discovered. As a result
of the absorbing effect of the ice layer, radio communications on a
medium-wave range with a point in the interior of Antarctica are possible
only over short distances. In the direction of the sea, the intensity
of radio signals weakens much more slowly, and the distance over which it
is possible to have dependable radio contact is considerably greater than
in the direction of the continent.
Stationary Geomagnetic Observations
In a special building (the magnetic pavilion), assembled from
wooden logs without a single iron part, regular studies of the absolute
values of elements of the Earth's magnetic field (i.e., declinations of
the horizontal and vertical components, as well as inclinations) and
continuous photographic registration of their changes in time (variations),
are being conducted. The combination of absolute and variational obser-
-rations makes it possible to obtain the value of the component
of the magnetic field at any time. For the registration of variations of
horizontal components of the field, special instruments are used, which
consist mainly of magnets suspended on quartz threads so that they can
move freely in a horizontal plane. Another magnetic system, which is
??:pported by agate blades on special "cushions," is arranged in such a
way that it has freedom of movement only in a vertical plane and can
follow the variations of the vertical component. A magnetic theodolite,
a quartz magnetometer, an induction inclinometer, and an electric
Z-magnetometer were used for absolute determinations of elements of the
field. Before the departure of the expedition, the instruments were regu-
lated with absolute instruments of the magnetic observatory of the Soviet
Union (Krasnaya Pakhra, near Moscow). As a result, the instruments of the
expedition had instrumental corrections and conversion factors, making it
possible to determine the elements of the magnetic field in any other point
of the Earth.
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According to the results of field research of the first expedi-
tion, values of the magnetic field in a number of points of the Antarctic
coast and along the Mirnyy-Pionerskaya profile were obtained. These re-
sults, together with data of subsequent expeditions, will permit the
compilation of magnetic charts, which are required for aerial and maritime
navigation.
Variations of the magnetic field in Mirnyy are distinguished by
disturbances of the field during daytime hours (local time), which is
characteristic for high latitudes. The maximum of magnetic disturbances
is observed during the noon hours or afternoon hours of local mean time.
It is interesting that the moment of maximum disturbances during the day-
time in Mirnyy practically coincides with the time of the maximum phase
of disturbances theoretically assumed by A. P. Nikol'skiy of the Arctic
Institute. During the winter (May-August), in addition to the daytime
maximum of disturbances, there is a second maximum of the same intensity
around the local midnight hour. During the summer (November-January),
as compared with the tinter, a general increase of magnetic disturbances
is noticeable, which is connected with the increase in intensity of day-
time disturbances.
All these seasonal changes of magnetic disturbances are charac-
teristic for the region situated within the zone of maximum frequency of
auroras. In Mirnyy, auroras are observed mainly in the northern part of
the firmament.
Magnetic disturbances during the daytime provided additional
possibilities for errors in observation, which caused serious difficulties
in the work of aeromagnetic survey. In a number of cases, this work was
done in the early morning or evening hours so as to obtain more exact
observations.
In the area of Mirnyy, an amazing "locality" of magnetic varia-
tions has been determined, which had not been observed anywhere before.
It is known that the magnetic variations are dependent on electric currents
passing through the ionosphere, i.e., at altitudes of 100 kilometers or
more above the Earth's surface. Therefore, it is natural that variations
of the Earth's magnetic field in adjacent points are usually the same.
Especially in the middle latitudes, magnetic variations are practically
the same on an area with a radius of several hundred kilometers. In high
latitudes, where the magnetic field is much more frequently disturbed,
magnetic variations are usually the same in points located at a distance
of about 100-200 kilometers from one another.
However, the study of magnetic variations in Antarctica has
given some unexpected results. In the recordings of variations, an
unusual mobility of the variation curve of the vertical component is
strikingly apparent. Magnetic variational observations were conducted
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near Mirnyy to discover the reasons for this phenomenon. Magnetic varia-
t onal field stations were established at four points: 0.3, 0.5, and 10
kilometers in the direction of the continent and 13 kilometers from the
magnetic pavilion in the direction of the sea. (on the fast ice). It
appeared that the magnetic variations obtained in the pavilion and at
the points located at distances of 10 and 13 kilometers were essentially
different. In the pavilion, the amplitude of individual fluctuations of
the vertical component was 20-25 percent greater than at the indicated
points; the amplitude of the horizontal component and of the declination,
on the contrary, was usually smaller, while the general similarity of
variations of identical components was preserved. At points located at
distances of 0.3-0.5 kilometer from the pavilion, the variations were
somewhat different.
The work conducted by magnetolo6ists in 1957 under the super-
vision of S. M. Mansurov confirmed his theory that the source of the
local character of variations is the electric current of abnormally great
density, which circulates in the coastal zone of the sea.
In 1956, experimental recordings of earth currents along a
single line were made in Mirnyy. The ground connections in the form of
lead sheets were laid in a depression among the rocks and covered with
sand moistened in an alkali solution. The difference of potentials
between the ground connections is measured by a specular galvanometer
and is registered on photographic paper.
The analysis of observation materials from Antarctica has
revealed a number of interesting facts. The amplitudes of fluctuations
of Aarth currents are very great and reach several hundred millivolts per
kilometer. The daily changes of disturbances of the field of earth cur-
rents and of the Earth's magnetic field have a similar nature. "Individual
groups of fluctuations (tsugi), which usually precede the disturbances,
are less pronouaced in Antarctica than in temperate zones. In a number of
instances, the tsugi of fluctuations," despite their small amplitudes,
enveloped the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously.
The Second Antarctic Expedition, which began to work early in
1957, organized the observations of cosmic rays and auroras over again.
To study the variations of the hard (meson) component of cosmic
rays, an ionization chamber (ASK) was installed at Mirnyy in 1957. The
special method of measurements made it possible to make continuous record-
ings of the declination of ionization from the average level by photographic
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Observations of auroras are conducted with the hell of a:i 5-18')
camera, which automatically photograpie the whole sky on an extra-sensitive
film at regular intervals. Studies of the spectrum of auroras are also
made at Mirnyy.
The station Oazis conducts observations of terrestrial magnetism
and currents, auroras, and seismology; and the station Pionerekaya, studies
of terrestrial magnetism.
At the end of 1957, the station Vostok was organized at a distance
of 1,400 kilometers from Mirnyy (78 27 S, 106 52 E), near the so-called
south geomagnetic pole. The studies made at this station make it possible
to examine the geographic distribution of a number of characteristics of
the variable magnetic field, of the ionosphere, and of auroras, con. ected
with the Earth's ma;neti2 field.
Early in February 1958, the Third Antarctic Expedition organized
the station Sovetskaya (78 24 S, 87 35 E), located, the same as Vostok, at
a distance of about 1,400 kilometers from Miro.yy. In the future, it is
planned to move this station further into the interior of the continent. --
P. K. Sen'ko, Candidate of Geographical Sciences, Arctic Scientific Research
Institute of the Main Administration of the Northern Sea R sate (Moscow,
Priroda, No 7) Jul 58 pp 59-62)
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