SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR INFORMATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00141R000200260001-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 17
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 15, 1999
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: August 1, 1958
• Content Type: REPORT

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PB 131632-25
SO= LOO I 1G TIW4 (WHYS AL YEAR Try ILTTnu
August 19 1958
U. S. D$PAJ JENr OF COMM
Office of Technical Services
MasUngton 25, D. C.
Published Weekly from February 14, 1958, to January 2, 1959
Subscription Price $10.00 for the Series
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PLEASE NOTE
This report presents unevaluated information on Soviet Bloc
International Geophysical Year activities selected from foreign-
language publications as indicated in parentheses. It is pub-
lished as an aid to United States Government research.
SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR INFORMATION
Table of Contents
I. General
II. Rockets and Artificial Earth Satellites
III. Upper Atmosphere
IV. Meteorology
V. Oceanography
VI. Gravimetry
VII. Arctic ai,d Antarctic
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Soviet Geographers Honored
CPYRGHT
The Geographic Society of the USSR has awarded silver medals to the
following outstanding Soviet scientist-geographers: V. P. Zenkovich, N. N.
rvan sev, . Znongolovich, P. V. Ushaknv., and M. T. RpIny.
Izvestiya, 3 Jul 58) CPYRGHT
Muscovites View Sputnik III and Aurora Same Night
(Moscow,
Thousands of Moscow sidents who were viewing the passage of Sputnc
III and its carrier rocks on the night of 9 July were also treated on a
display of northern light e. The aurora, which lasted more than a half hour,
was of an intensity rare for these latitudes.
The occurrence was d cribed by V. Lutskiy, a scientific associate of
the Moscow planetarium. a aurora was caused, he says, by a very large
group of sunspots which a eared on the central meridian of the Sun on
6 July. It was possible expect the appearance of the aurora on 7 and
8 July.
Strong chromospheric
strong flare with an inte
occurred at 1219 hours on
successfully registered o
heightened by the morning
storm had also begun.
lares were also recorded on the Sun. An especially
ity of 3 points (this is the most intensive flare)
July. The beginning of the magnetic storm was
7 July by special instruments. It had particularly
f 8 July, and by the night of 9 July an ionospheric
(Moscow, Izvestiya, 10 Jul 58)
II. ROCKETS AND ARTIFICIAL EARTH SATELLITES
Soviets Report New Type of Radiation From Sputnik III Measurements
CPYRGHT
The day 15 July marked the end of the second month of Sputnik III Is
existence. During this time it had made over 800 revolutions around the
Earth.
According to a Tass report, one of its correspondents was told by Prof
S. M. Poloskov, member of the Soviet Committee for the Conduct of the IGY,
that the experience of the past 2 months has proved that the complex apparatus
on Sputnik III functioned normally, fulfilling its scheduled program of in-
vestigations.
CPYRGHT
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 The "Mayak" radio transmitter installed in the uatel],ite is functioning
reliably. In addition, when the satellite is in the region illuminated by
the Sun's rays, the radio transmitter operates on its own solar batteries.
It, is possible to Judge this according to the nature of the radio signals
being received. The first experience of installing solar batteries in a
satellite and their successful utilization are of great interest since such
a source of energy is extremely promising for future artificial space ships.
The radio transmitter working on a frequency of 20.005 megacycles trans-
mits radio signals in the form of telegraphic pulses with a 150- to 300-
millisecond duration. The power of the transmitter ensures the positive
reception of its signals at great distances even by the usual amateur
receivers.
The call signals of "Mayak" are received in all the countries of the
world. Thus the scientific data being transmitted by it become available
to all scientists. It is interesting to note, Poloskov said, that these
signals are also being received by scientists conducting IGY investigations
in the Antarctic.
The scientific data received from Sputnik III are systematically gathered
and deciphered. Preliminary processing of the observations in all the divisions
of the scientific investigations is already being conducted. However, the
detailed study of the scientific data with subsequent conclusions will require
a long time.
In the short period of Sputnik III's existence, new and important informa-
tion on the electrical properties of the upper atmosphere at very great
altitudes, unobtainable by ground based means, was successfully collected.
Valuable data on the ion composition and structural parameters, pressure,
and density of the upper atmosphere were also received.
Data concerning micrometeors, the smallest particles of solid interplane-
tary matter, were obtained for the first time. The intensity of their colli-
sion with the satellite on its flight through the cosmos is registered by
special instruments and transmitted to the Earth.
Data concerning observations of cosmic gamma radiation which make it
possible'to form an opinion of the processes of electromagnetic radiations
of great'energy arising in the depths of terrestrial space are reported by
thra rar1in trannmit.tc+r_
CPYRGHT
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A sufficient amount of information on the composition
rays was gathered as a result of raising instruments into
by means of balloons. However, it is impossible to obtain
of data b
nd
ti
t
i
th
y co
uc
ng measuremen
s
n
e stratosphere sin
layer of matter present over the instruments changes the c
cosmic rays. Up to now it was not known whether cosmic ra
appreciable number of nuclei of elements heavier than the i
Instruments for recording the nuclei of heavy element
stalled in Sputnik III make it possible to answer this imp
question. It is now possible to tell of new and interests
the total intensity, variations, and composition of cosmic
with the aid of the satellite.
"Thanks to the instruments installed in Sputnik III a
in science was discovered, a special type of corpuscular r
to now had not been observed in the composition of cosmic
are now engaged in puzzling out this phenomenon."
A general assembly of CSAGI (Special Committee for th
called at the end of July in Moscow. Specialists of many
take part in it. A symposium will be conducted during the
which preliminary results of the investigations conducted
rockets and artificial earth satellites will be discussed.
Izvestiya, 15 Jul 5a)
Sputnik III
CPYRGHT
of primary cosmic
he stratosphere
a whole series
e even the small
mposition of the
s contained an
ucleus of iron.
which are in-
rtant scientific
data concerning
radiation obtained
ew phenomenon
iation which up
ys. Specialists
IGY) will be
entries will
ssembly in
(Moscow,
CPYRGHT
With the launching of Sputnik III, observatory stations in the southern
part of the USSR went into operation. The first reports were obtained as
early as 16 and 17 May from Abastumani and Tashkent observatories, from the
Chernovtsy and Ashkhabad universities, and from the Ashkhabad Institute of
Physics and Geophysics of the Academy of Sciences Turkmen SSR.
Special apparatus used in photographing the satellite and its carrier
rocket is now installed in 25 photographic stations. This apparatus is
reported to have been built in a very short period of time in one of the
plants.
Radio signals from Sputnik III's "Mayak" transmitter are constantly re-
corded by USSR radio clubs at 29 designated points. As of now, about 300
rolls of magnetic tape bearing the satellite's signals have been received
in Moscow. Twenty-three kilometers of such tape has been received from
radio amateurs in Arkhangelsk and 15 kilometers from Khabarovsk.
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In the 2 months of its existence, Sputnik III has traveled over 78 mil-
lion kilometers. As a result of atmospheric braking, the orbital parameters
of both the satellite and its carrier rocket have decreased. During this
time Sputnik III's orbital period has decreased by 0.75 minute and is now
105.2 minutes. Its apogee has decreased from 1,880 to 1,810 kilometers.
The average daily decrease in orbital time is 0.75 seconds.
The carrier rocket's orbital parameters show a more substantial decrease.
The orbital period decreased by 2.4 minutes and on 15 July it was 103.5 minutes.
Its apogee decreased to 1,645 kilometers. The average daily change in orbital
time is 2.4 seconds.
the Earth. (Moscow, Pravda, 13., 16 Jul 58)
Kiev Observatory Conducts Photographic Observations of Sputnik III
A station for regular observations of Sputnik III has been created in
the Main Astronomical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences Ukrainian SSR
in Kiev. It is headed by A. Korol', Candidate of Physicomathematical Sci-
ences, an astronomer. The station is equipped with the newest optical in-
struments with photographic apparatus.
CPYRGHT
CPYRGHT
In addition to visual observations, photographic observations of Sputnik
III are conducted. For this purpose the station has a special powerful camera,
created by Soviet designers. Photographing is done at precisely fixed inter-
vals. M. Fedchun, scientific associate of the observatory, has already made
a number of very successful photographs. These photographs make it possible
to determine the movement of the satellite and its carrier rocket and the
evolution of their orbits with great accuracy.
While observing Sputnik III and its carrier rocket, the astronomers at
Kiev have also witnessed other rare phenomena in the night sky.
Fedchun reports that one night in June the flight of a bright bolide
over the city was registered. Less than an hour later in the northeast
sector of the sky, another bolide flashed in the manner of lightning. It;3
light was so bright that objects on the ground cast shadows. Approximately
2 seconds later a dull boom was heard. There are reasons to believe that
the celestial body fell somewhere nearby. A search for it is being conducted.
In addition to the station headed by Korol', observations for Sputnik
III and its carrier rocket are being conducted in various points in the
seDarate ou s of observers. These groups systematically fix
the passage of the satellite and its carrier. (Moscow, Izvestiya, 15 Jul 5
CPYRGHT
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III. UPPER ATMOSPHFM
New Radiotelescope in Armenia
The assembly of a large radiotelescope which has a mi or area of
4,500 square meters has begun on the slopes of Mt Aragats n r the
Physics Observatory (Moscow)P
Izvestiya, 16 Jul 58) CPYRGHT
Electrophotometric Device for Automatic Recording of Night Sky Radiation
An article by A. N. Otto of the Leningrad State University describes
a device for recording night Sky radiation.
To obtain more precise data on the radiation intensity of the night
sky, the problem of automatic recording of the sky radiation has become
of utmost importance. In the installation described the multiple type
of photomultipliers was used (electrophotometer developed at the Laboratory
of Photometering of the Scientific Research Institute of Physics of Lenin-
grad State University.)
The general construction of the device is as follows; At the input
end of the photomultiplier a camera shutter is placed to control the zero
value of the nhotocurrent. This shutter As .kept open 'during record-
ing of the event and. is closed every 10 minutes for a period
of 40 seconds.bye: means o;V a.* cloclwketuttedc::'eleyt . For sensitivity.,
control, every 60 minutes the clock mechanism connects a calibrated tube
having a light filter similar to one used in measuring the night sky radia-
tion. The filament potential of the calibrated tube is controlled by a
potentiometer. The electronic potentiometer EPD-09 serves as a register-
ing device. The current consumption of the relay group is about 0.6 a.
To decrease the dark current of the photoelectron device (PED) and
fluctuation of current, the device is placed in a special solution-cooled
cover. To prevent the shutter and filter from freezing, an ebonite insert
with a circular bore was used.
During the expedition of 18 July 1956. the maximum, intensity of night
sky radiation vas of an order of one micro which lasted about 5 minutes.
CPYRGH A maximum of night sky radiation intensity was observed 3;revious1X.,1'h1i+
not (Pribory,i Tekhnilca Eksperimenta, No 1,
Jan-Feb 58, pp 130-131)
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Effect of Corpuscular Radiation on Upper Atmosphere
An article titled "The Effect of Corpuscular Flows on Dynamic Distur-
bances in the Upper Atmosphere," published in Fizika Korpuskulyarnykh
Potokov i ikh Vozde stri na Verkhn Atmosfe Zemli Akademii Nauk
SSSR Physics of Corpuscular Flows and Their Effect on the Upper Atmosphere
of the Earth, Academy of Sciences USSR), 1957, pp 273-275, 275-276, by
L. R. Rakipova, gives the following information, according to an item in
a Soviet abstract journal.
A series of vortical perturbations, alternated according to symbols
from layer to layer, is developed in accordance with a hydrodynamic scheme
on tropospheric perturbations (cyclonic or anticyclonic) which was previ-
ously proposed by the author (Trudy Glavnaya Geofizicheskaya Observatoriya,
No 28, 1951). The layers specified are as follows: 25-50, 50-100, and
100-250 kilometers. The scheme makes it possible to explain the passage
of perturbations not only upward., but also in the opposite direction.
The author goes on to say that additional heating in any layer must lead
to an increase of dynamic perturbations in them and, in connection with
this, to the strengthening or weakening of corresponding disturbances in
the troposphere.
Drawing from the proposed scheme, Raki.pova concludes that if the
corpuscular flows reaching the E and F layers cause a heating effect in
them, then the auroras (E Layer) must be accompanied by a strengthening
of the anticyclonic activity, and the magnetic storms (F layer), the
cyclonic activity, and the corresponding changes of pressure and tempera-
ture near the Earth's surface. A number of facts established by different
researchers are presented in support of these conclusions.
According to the author, convective flows of heat, corresponding
to the stated dynamic processes, are cuased by the downward-moving im-
pulses only in one or two orders below the average values of tropospheric
convective flows. Therefore, the effect of solar activity on dynamic
processes in the troposphere must be detected not only in statistical in-
vestigations but also in separate cases on days with strong solar out-
bursts of ultraviolet or corpuscular radiation.
In answer to questions presented during a discussion period, the
author in particular reported that, accmnrding to his calculations, in a
concentration of corpuscles equal to 103 in one cubic centimeter and
with a velocity of 1,000 kilometers per second, through inelastic col-
lisions cent i grade can occur.
(Beferativnyy Zhurnal Geofizika, No i, Apr 58, Abstract No 3062j, by
A. A. Petrov)
CPYRGHT
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Ionospheric Perturbations Clasaified by Soviet Scientist
Ionospheric perturbations according to the data of the middle-.
latitude stations Leningrad, Moscow, Sverdlovsk, Irkutsk, and Alma-Ata)
are discussed by N. V. Mednikova. According to an abstract of her article
"Ionospheric Perturbations in the Middle Latitudes," in Fizika Korpuskulyar-
uykh Potokov i ikh Vozdeystrive na Ver vuvu Atmosfery Zemli (Physics of
Solar Corpuscular Flows and their Effect on the Upper Atmosphere of the
Earth), Academy of Sciences USSR, 1957, pp 183-244.p 245, Mednikova presents
a classification of disturbances by different types in relation to the
symbol and value of variations of the critical frequency of F2 (f? F2)
from the sliding median values (0 pert. f?F2)
Four t s of Perturbations are distinguished: (1) single phase
negative (D-),during which a lowering of f?F2 is observed; (2) single
phase positive (D+) with a rise of fOF2; (3) two phase type D+ - (where
a lowering of f2 precedes the rising); and (4) a mixed type, when, the
alternation of positive and negative peaks is observed. The perturbations
are divided, according to intensity, into large (with a duration of
more than 46 hairs and a maxim m It pert f?F 2 of mgre than 4096, medium
(with a duration of 24-48 hours, maximum Q pert f F2 of more than 30%
but less than 4o%), and small (with a duration of 10-20 hours, maximum
Q pert. f?F2 N ? 25%)
The statistical distribution of the beginning and ending of the
perturbations is presented.
It was discovered that the perturbations almost never began during
daylight hours.
The: relationship of the duration of "forbidden" periods of the begin-
ning of the perturbations to the time of year is considered.
The duration of different types of perturbations in relation to the
ex- of factors is analyzed.
The diuraaa variation of intensity for the different types of storms
according to the season and the different years-of solar activity is pre-
sented end their characterist!.c properties are discussed.
It is shown that aperiodic disturbed variations (D st -pert foF2)
are constant during the perturbations. The probability of the appearance
of active the most disturbed) hours have a clearly seasonal variation
with two equincctal maximums and a summer minimum in the years of max-
imum solar activity. In the years of that same mi inaum, the probability
of perturbed hours is maximum in the winter. The average carves obtained
are compared with actual measurements of f?F2 during different perturba-
tions.
The bibliography contains 21 titles. (Referativnyy 7hurnal--Geofizika.,
No 4, Apr 58, Abstract No 3094, by L. N. Lyekhova)
-7-
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Diurnal Variation of Earth's Electromagnetic Field Linked to Ionospheric
Changes
According to an abstract of the article, the following conclusions
on the diurnal variation of the appearance of short-period perturbations
of the Earth's electromagnetic field are made by R. P. Ben'kova in an
article titled "7he Daily Variations of Short-Period Perturbations of the
Earth's Electromagnetic Field" (Trudy Nauchno-Isoledovatel'sko o Instituta
Zemnogo, tizma Ionoefe I Rasprostranlya Radiovoln No 12 22 , 1957,
pp 209-213).
Perturbations of the first type (with fluctuation periods of 10-10
seconds) were observed for the most part during daylight hours, local time
in the upper and middle latitudes; during the night hours of the middle
and lower latitudes. To consider this scheme completed, it is necessary
to investigate diurnal variations of short-period perturbations in the
Western Hemisphere.
Assuring that the sources of short-period perturbations occur beyond
the limits of the ionosphere (electrical currents or the motion of charged
particles), the author links diurnal variations of short-period perturba-
tions with local changes of the structure of the ionosphere in time, vhich
cause variations of its attenuating and amplifying effect. (Referativnyy
Zhurnal--Geofizika, No k, Apr 58, Abstract No 3099)
Soviets Link Magnetic Disturbances to Universal Time
The dependence of the diurnal variation Sa of magnetic activity to
local and universal time is investigate* by V. M. Mishin. On the basis
of theoretical calculations and the processing of b-index data from 20
observatories, the author concludes that the coaponent 3s exists and that
it depends on universal time. A method of separating Sa into different
components is shown and their geographic distribution is given.
According to au item in a Soviet abstract journal, Mishin's article,
"Basic Components of the Diurnal Variation of Magnetic Activity," appeared
in the boat Fizika Ko Potokov i ikh Voz tri na Ver
pyuAtaosfe Z=11 Physics of Corpuscular Plan and Their Effect on the
Upper Atmosphere, of the Earth), 1957, pp 277-286. (Referativnyy Zhurnal --
Geofizika, No 4, Apr 58, Abstract No 3097, by M. A. Belousova)
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&YRGHT
New Soviet A-22-III Radiosonde Much Improved
The apparatus and operation of units of a new radiosonde (A-22-III)
are described in "Basic Characteristics of Radiosonde A-22-III," by V. A.
Usol'tsev and K. N. Manuylov, Trudy Nauchno Issledovatel'sko o Instituta
Gidrometeorologicheskogo Priborostroyenyye, No 5, 1957, PP 3-16. The in-
strument was developed in the Scientific Research Institute of Hydrometeor-
logical Instrument Building. CPYRGHT
The new radiosonde was b It on the code principle. Rotation of the
radiosonde 's propeller is tra witted to a coding drum. The drum is a
thin metallic cylinder with a ooved surface. On the latter's track,
the Morse alphabet is recorded by the alternPtion of the insulated and
conducting layers. During the rotation of the coded drum, the needles
of the points of pressure, h dity, and temperature alternately make
contact with this or any track of the coded record and Morse signals are
transmitted. A spiral bimetal is ribbon is used as a temperature sensing
element, the two ends of which are wound in opposite directions and are
fastened to the frame. A need e is fastened to the center of the cylinder.
In connection with the small t ickness of the bimetallic spiral (0.10-
0.15 mm), the heat inertia and radiation error of the temperature ele-
ment is less that that of the ame element in the "peak-type" radiosonde,
RZ-049. Two variants of press re points are described. In the first
version, membrane compartments made of the special alloy N klKhT, having
a low coefficient of thermoela icity, are used. In the second, membrane
compartments :lade from phospho bronze and provided with a bimetallic com-
pensator are used.
A semiautomatic recorder ich registers signals on a tape in the
form of curves forms variation 11 of the meteorological elements on the
tape.
The new radiosonde is int ded for temperature and wind soundings
in a wide network of stations. It has smaller instrument errors and con
It
siderab th
04 Of
RZ
.?
e
Peaa-type
CPYRGHT
at present. (Referativnyy Zhurnal--Gecfiziga
No l+
A
8
Ab
t
,
,
pr 5
,
s
ract
No 2797, by S. I. Nepemnyashchiy)
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New Soviet Book on Techniques of Atmospheric Research in Printers
CPYRGHT, '
Sovreme:ana a tekhnika issledovani a atmosfery (Contemporary Tech??
nique of Investigating the Atmosphere) by A. F. Maklakov, published by
Gidrometeoizdat, describes the layout and the operating principles of
meteorological rockets, new types of radiosondes and cloud meters, radars,
radiotheodolites, automatic radiometeorological stations and installa-
tions, land-based and ship remote meteorological and hydrometeorological
stations, and other contemporary meteorological instruments and apparatus.
Data are given on the accuracy of measurements of meteorological elements.
A separate section is devoted to the artificial earth satellite. The book
is illustrated and is intended for a wide gruup of readers interested in
problems of investigating the atmosphere and contemporary meteorological
a and Ungrjaua- It alao will serve the q=oses of students
of hydrometeorological teckhnikums and pupils of upper grades. (Novy7e
Knigi, No 28, 12 Jul 58, p 48) CPYRGHT
Ob' in Montevideo
CPYRGHT
The Soviet oceanographic ship Ob' has arrived at the port of Monte-
video, Uruguay. The Oh' is conducting complex oceanographic investigations
in the Antarctic according to the International Geophysical Year grogram.
(Moscow, Pravda, 7 Jul 58)
Soviet Geophysical Expedition Begins Work in Pacific
CPYRGHT
The Pacific Ocean Complex Geological and Geophysical Expedition of
the Institute of Physics of the Earth, Academy of Sciences USSR, arrived
in Petro avlovsk-Kamchatski . Detachments of scientifc workers have
reacLy sai e . ,Moscow, Izvestiya, 16 Jul 5
CPYRGHT
Shortcomings in GAK-3M Gravimeters
An article by P. F. Shakin, entitled "Nonlinearity in the Scale of
the GAK-3M Gravimeter," reveals that in the calibration of the GAK-3M
by the inclination method nonlinearities in the measuring scale were dis-
covered in several of these instruments. This, says Shakin, can be one
of the reasons for the appearance of systematic errors.
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Shakin gives formulas for calculating the constants and their errors
in using nonlinear scales. Formulas for processing field observations
and evaluating the effect of the error of scale graduations are also given.
Shakin concludes his article by saying that problems of methods and
programs of observation for calibrating GAK-3M gravimeters are ptill in-
sufficiently developed. Careful investigations of errors in determining
the values of gravimeter graduations by the method of inclination in
longitudinal and transverse directions and also by the method of calibra-
tion at points with known values of gravity acceleration are particularly
necessary. These investigations must serve as a basis for the development
of the programs specified in paragraphs 85 and 91 of Instruktsii Po
Trig ate tsii 1 2. 3 i 4 Klassov (Instructions for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4
Triangulations published in 1956. (Geodesiya i Kartografiya, No 3, Mar
58, p" 16-23
VII. ARCTIC AND ANTARCTIC
Some Achievements of Soviet Antarctic Research Summarized
The Academy of Sciences USSR has summarized some of the achievements
of the Soviet complex expeditions in the Antarctic conducting research
under the IGY program.
In 1956-1957, the Soviet expedition undertook measurements of the
ice cover in the sector of Antarctica adjoining the Indian Ocean and ex-
tending over 375 kilometers from the south '.o the coast. It appeared that
in most places along this route the glacier bed was below sea level. As
regards the thickness of the ice sheet, it was found to be about 1,000
meters at the 27th kilometer, 1,500 meters at the 100th kilometer, 2,250
meters at the 200th kilometer, and about 3,500 meters at the 31'kIlometer.
It was discovered that the settlement of Mirnyy was not on the mainland,
but on an island near the actual coast, which is somewhere near the 400th
kilometer south of this island.
Preliminary research i sults on the antarctic ice cover have aroused
questions as to whether Antarctica is actually a continent or an archi-
pelago. Scientists have not yet obtained a final answer to this question.
There is no doubt, horever, that if the continent exists, its dimensions
and outlines differ considerably from those of the ice cap which covers
it. The continent is probably much smaller that the area indicated in
current geographic literature.
CPYRGHT
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 Even now it is possible to make one important and interesting con-
clusion, which would considerably change the estimates made by Professor
David, one of the oldest explorers of Antarctica. Early in the 20th
Century, he wrote that if the entire glacial cover of the continent, which
was estimated to be about 550 meters thick, were to melt, the ocean level
on the entire face of the earth would rise 15 meters. At present, this
figure would probably be at least three times as high.
The Soviet expedition has conducted extensive aeraneteorological
research on the sea, on the coast, and at interior stations, which has
made it possible to obtain data on the atmospheric circulation in An-
arctica, governing the peculiarities of climate and weather in the
Southern Hemisphere.
By drawing comparisons with different points of the Northern Hemi-
sphere, it appears that in the summer the total amount of solar heat
reaching the surface of Antarctica in almost twice as high as that in
temperate zones. These data disprove the opinion that in the summer the
total radiation in polar regions is less than that in temperate zones.
Some interesting data on the temperature regime of Antarctica have
been gathered. For example, on 10 May 1958 the air temperature at the
Soviet stations was as follows: Mirnyy, minus 13 degrees centigrade;
Oazis, minus 8 degrees centigrade; Pionerskaya, minus 40 degrees centi-
grade; Komsomol?skaya, minus 58 degrees centigrade; Vostok, minus 65
degrees centigrade; and Sovetskaya, minus 79 degrees centigrade. On
19 June, an even lower temperature was registered in the area of Sovet-
skaya ?-- minus 81.2 degrees centigrade. No human beings have lived before
in such cold temperatures as are being registered at Vostok and Sovet-
skaya.
The zoologists of the expedition have made interesting observations
of animals inhabiting the narrow strip of the coast; they studied the
natural lave governing the distribution of birds and animals, including
the Adelie penguins, the antarctic and emperor penguins, the silvery-gray
storm petrel, the sea leopard, and various kinds of seals. It was dis-
covered that the total number of animals and birds in some parts of Ant-
arctica is very large. On Haswell Island, there are about 20,000 birds
in one square kilometer.
On the basis of aerial photographs taken between the 40th and 166th
degrees eastern longitude, which is about one third of the whole antarctic
coastline, the first authentic maps of this area are being compiled. A
geological map of the ice-free areas has been prepared.
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scientists has resulted in new data which tend to confi the former then
The geomorphological research on the ocean bottom onducted by Soviet
25 Jun 58)
regarding the existence of the ancient continent of Gondwana former]. con
necti East Antarctica Moscow, Pravda,
Some Soviet Observations Made During 1958 in the Antarctic
Acc ding to observations c inducted at the Station Mirnyy, one of
the chief characteristics of the current year is an extreme "drought."
During t first half of 1957, t amount of precipitation on the coast
of Davis ea was several times a great as during the same period of 1958.
There has also been an unusually trong development of the zone of sea
ice surr nding the continent. ring May, the width of the ice belt
exceeded 00 kilometers.
The bservatory is collects and collating material on the intensity
of inter]. titudinal air exchange and ways are being sought to discover
relations between weather anrmal s of the Northern and Southern hemi-
spheres.
The gnetic observations m e by M. Ostrekin, chief of the geophysical
detachmen f;oviet on the island Bezym ("Nameless") turned out to be very
interests This island was rec ntly explored for the first time by a
group of scientists. The oordinates of the island ea- 55-58 3 and
99-21 E. he magnetic declinati at this place was much lower than in-
dicated o the maps.
The laciologists are contin ing to explore the continental seismic
sector be n by previous Soviet e ditions. It has been determined that
at a dist ice of 245 kilometers f om the coast the ice sheet is 1,410
meters th k, at 325 kilometers t e thickness is 1,980 meters, and in the
vicinity Pionerskaya, 1,900 an 2,000 meters.
Duri 1958, aerial ice rec issance has been expanded. Flights
have been a over parts of the can which have never before been seen
by man d ng the winter period.
For In
e first time this year observations on atmospheric electricity
were begun It was learned that en on normal days, the intensity of
the electr c field of the atmosph a is 2-3 times as high; as on other
tPYRGH continents -- Yev ens To chief of the Expedition Moscow, Izvestiya, 2 Jul 58) CPYRGHT
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Station Vostok CPYRGHT
The station Vostok was establi ed 6 months ago. The geophysical
research on the ionosphere, terrest al magnetism, and auroras has made
it possible to assert that the regi of the geomagnetic pole is sub-
jected to intensive, corpuscular ra ation. This is confirmed by the
abundance of ionospheric-magnetic d turbances, accompanied by auroras.
In Central Antarctica, the humEi organism is exposed to the influence
of a whole complex of unaccoustomed eteorological factors, such as the
low atmospheric pressure, which dro to 450 millimeters in the area of
the station; extremely low temperat es; and oxygen deficiency. All this
makes it necessary for humans to ad t themselves to the existing con-
ditions. The most noticeable chang are felt in the activity of the
heart and vascular system and the r piratory organs, and the blood pres-
sure is considerably lowered. Desp a all this, the staff members are
in good spirits and well able to wo .
During the night of 15 June, t air temperature in this area dropped
to minus 81 degrees centigrade. Fo days later a purga [snowstorm] began
to blow which continued for 3 1 -- Vasiliy Sidorov, chief of station
Vostok (Moscow, Izvestiya, 2 Jul 58)
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At the Cold Pole
The station Sovetaka is located in the region of the "pole of in-
accessibility." Its exact coordinates are j8-24 S, 87-35 E. This is the
"cold pole." Several time during June the temperature dropped to minus
81 degrees. On 19 June, t lowest temperature on the earth was registered
at this spot -- minus 81.2 degrees centigrade, with a wind velocity of
4 meters per second.
Despite severe weathe conditions, the work is continuing according
to plan. Even on the cold it day, a radiosonde was launched and theodolite
observations were made.
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From 15 to 24 June, t station staff conducted more frequent radio-
sonde launchings to high a itudes. Low temperatures have been recorded
at Sovetskaya since the be nning of the winter. Thus, in April the average
monthly temperature was mi s 60.5 degrees centigrade, and in May, minus
62.2 degrees centigrade. the "warmest" day of the last 3 months, the
thermometer registered min 42. de es centigrade.
chief of station Sovetskaya Moscow, Izvestiya, 2 Jul 58)
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