Main Directions of Marine Researches.

At: Laboratory of Geomorphology and Ocean Floor Tectonics
of Geological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences.
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The Laboratory conducts geological-geophysical studies of deep ocean floor, interpretation of acquisited data, creation of relief and sedimentary cover formation models, creation of maps, manuals, databases. Reference directions of our investigations are instituted by the most urgent problems in the field of World ocean lithosphere studies, and also will be realized proceeding from professional concerns of the employees. Laboratory involves - geomorphologists, geophysicists, cartographers, geologists, engineers in the field of electronics and mechanics. All directions are interdependent. To us it is represented, that the ocean research should be based only on all-up analysis of the miscellaneous data, that causes the greatest veracity of the deductions, and, that most important, greatest possible consistence as deductions and their consequences. It obviously follows from that fact, that the Earth is the unique open-ended system of a highest extent of complication, in which one detailed and authentic learning of objects or properties can not be reached without development of adjacent areas and appeal to adjacent disciplines. For want of it we forecast only general purposes of studies, but in their result are possible extremely unexpected deductions...

Main Objects of Researches:
Transform faults, including their passive non-thrusting parts, mid ocean ridge, volcanic structures of the Atlantic ocean.

Main Approach of Researches:
Statistical and visual - heuristic analysis of geographically referenced heterogeneous information in intercoupling with main ocean patterns on the basis of electronic database performance.

Main Directions of Researches:
1. Geomorphology of deep-ocean floor. Includes echosounding survey, progressing of methods of gathering
and data processing. Discovering of underwater relief formation processes.
2. Cartography. Constructing of bathymetric, geomorphologic, tectonic and other map types as a basis for tectonic and geodynamic interpretations. Creation of computer maps and GIS-projects on deep water parts of ocean.
3. Ocean Tectonics. Discovery of an oceanic crust top part patterns and understanding its origin.
4. Analysis of Geophysical Data. Acquisition and data processing of a baseline set of geophysical survey in the ocean: a complete set of echosounding parameters, single-channel seismic profiling on velocities of 10-12 knots, magnetometry, gravimetry. Gathering of all accessible geophysical data in opened sources for complement of the own data and creation its maximum authentic data presence review for objects on collection of interdependent characteristics. Data processing by known algorithms and programs, and creation of new ones with the purpose of geologic selfdescriptiveness of studies increase.
5. Upgrade and Creation of New Engineering for Seismic Profiling. The seismic methods are key for knowledge of sedimentary cover patterns. The single-channel profiling allows to conduct on velocities 10-12 knots survey with penetration up to about three seconds on formation. Perfecting of engineering and the methodic serves all components of seismic profiling: streamer, pneumatic energy sources (air guns), systems of acquisiting and accumulation of the information, programs for automatic data processing.
6. Computer know-hows. Determination of optimum configurations for computers, choice of software, creation of the own methods of miscellaneous digital data processing and programs, optimizing work capacity of station as a whole and compatibility of its various logical components. Communal orientation of station logical components to GIS-system under observance of a baseline principle: realization of maximum effective solutions for each step of data processing by selection (or creation) of the most eligible software.
7. Terminology. Without distinct and clear scientific language cannot be achieved a success in mutual understanding between the specialists in knowledge of structure and composition of deep-ocean floor. It is important for compiling legends to maps of the various contents. The activity is conducted in frameworks of the GEBCO project (standardizing of the terms).
8. Toponimics. The titles of the underwater relief forms, besides the address function, allow to fasten a priority in studies of diverse objects. Creation of databases on toponimics and geographical names, and also dictionaries of geographic titles and terms in marine areas is necessary for geology and standardizing of their usage in scientific and cartographical editions.
9. Databases. Gathering, acquisiting, systematization and editing of miscellaneous information, which is stored as several thematic databases and combined compilations.

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