INFORMATION ON SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL COOPERATION - 1960

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00141R000201260001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 36
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 12, 1999
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: July 8, 1960
• Content Type: REPORT

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60011 F4 0 rlAT I C14 Ghl CV, I ET
BLOC I NTERNRT i ONAL GEOPHYS I GAL PQOPERRTI 4h
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PC 131632-126
U. S. Department of Commerce
Business and Defense Services Administration
Office of Technical Services
Washington 25, D. C.
Published Weekly
Subscription price $12.00 for the 1960 Series
INFORMATION ON SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL COOPERATION--1960
July 8, 1960
Use of funds for printing this publication has been
approved by the Director of the Bureau of the Budget, October 28, 1959
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:DMRMATION ON INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL COOPERATION PROGRAM --
SOVIET-BLOC ACTIVITIES
Table of Contents
Page
_
1. General
1
II.
Rockets and Artificial Earth Satellites
4
in.
Upper Atmosphere
6
IV. Meteorology
16
V.
Seismology
17
V1.
Oneanography
19
VII.
Arctic and Antarctic
23
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I. GENERAL
Geophysical Studies
The bent, of international cooperation in the investigation of
the mysteries of nature were clearly manifested by the International
Geophysical Year. Even the biggest optimist did not expect to see
scientific cooperation produce such striking results. In the past 3
years science has made a gigantic forward step in the investigation of
the Earth. But the processing of the available materials has only
begun; it will take many years before their all-embracing significance
to revealed.
The greatest of all the achievements made during the MY was the
photographing of the far side of the moon never before seen by man.
The observations of the artificial earth satellites produced invaluable
information. Take, for example, such an old problem as the determination
of the exact size of the flattened parts of the globe. About 300 years
ago the brilliant English scientist Newton first suggested that the Earth
was not shaped like a sphere since it rotates around its axis.
Under the effect of the centrifugal force which is particularly
great near the equLtor and altogether absent at the poles, the earth
sphere was flattened in the shape of a spheriod similar to a tangerine.
That suggestion became the object of spirited c;mtroversies among the
scientists lasting about half a century. To settle the dispute, the
French Academy of Sciences sent out two expeditions, one to the equator
and another to the north pole. They were to measure the meridian arc,
accurate to one degree. If the Earth is shaped like a tangerine, the
Polar degree must be longer than the equatorial. The work of the
expeditions which lasted 8 years was very difficult and dangerous.
But the scientists completed their mission. The results of -their
investigations confirmed Newtonts predictions. Nevertheless, their
measurements, just like those of many other scientists who followed
them, were not accurate. Only the orbits of the soviet earth satel-
lites and their comparison with those of the American satellites
revealed the exact magnitude of the flattened parts of the earthts
sphere. And all these calculations were made under the comfortable
conditions of the laboratory with the aid of electronic machines.
Studying the orbits of the sputniks, the scientists came to
the conclusion that the shape of'the Earth is not symmetrical in
relation to the equator. If we looked at the image of the earthts
surface in a mirror, we would find that the outlines of the northern
and southern hemispheres are different from each other. Actually,
the Earth is shaped like a apeaz~c with its narrow end at the north
pole and the flat side at the south pole. The surface of the Earth
at the north pole is 15 meters higher, and just as much lower at the
south pole, that it would have been had the Earth been shaped like
correct ellipsoid.
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One of the important tasks of the MY was to find the thickness
and structure of the earth's crust. The Hungarian scientists played a
particularly active part in this undertaking. It is not easy to
establish the lower limits of the earth's crust. Precise geophysical
methods make it possible for the scientists to penetrate deeper into
the earth's sphere. These methods are based on the study of the
fluctuations of the earth's crust brought about by earthquakes and
artificial explosions. If the earth were a homogenous body, the
seismic waves in it would spread in a straight line and with the same
speed. A study of the speed of the spreading waves revealed that the
earth's sphere consists of a number of concentric zones of various
thicknesses. In the upper layers the earthquake waves spread at'a
speed of 5.6 kilometers per second. Further down the speed increases
by l kilometer remaining at the rate to a depth where it suddenly
Jumps to 8.2 kilometers. This part of the crust is called the
Mokhorovitch level (after the Yugoslav scientist who first dis-
covered it), and is believed to be the bottom border line of the
earth's crust. Thus to establish the Mokthorovitch level means to
determine the thickness of the earth's crust.
(Photo caption: A picture of the far side of the moon)
(Photo caption: The shape of the Earth. The solid line
shows the shape of the earth established
on the bases of recent data, and the dotted
line indicates the theoretical shape)
Investigations have shown that the thickness of the earthts
crust on the continents is between 30 and 40 kilometers; in the high
mountain areas it goes up to 60 kilometers, and in the oceans it is
down to 5 kilometers.
During the geophysical year our scientists made a study of
the earth's crust on the European continent. The observations of
the 1956 earthquake were carried' out with that. purpose in mind.
Although the accuracy of those data are inadequate, in view of the
considerable distance between the observers and the center of the
earthquake, they still provide ground for the belief that the average
thickness of the earth's crust on the'European continent is about 33
kilometers. More accurate measurements, made possible by artificial
explosions, were taken at 9 different points in Hungary. The results
were surprising. It was found that on the territory of our republic
the earth's crust is considerably thinner than the European average,
measuring approximately 22-27 kilometers. This is apparently due to
the distension of the Earths$ surface that had occurred here in the
past.
Scientists have recently advanced the idea of drilling the
earth's surface where it is thinnest, at the deepest part of the ocean
bottom. The implementation of this plan would produce direct
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information on the material structure of the crust below the Mokhorovitch
level. But this still calls for the solution of several very complicated
technical problems.
The Hungarian researchers have made a substantial contribution to
the study of the Earth's elasticity. The observations were carried out
by the Tigontska geophysical observatory with the aid of a very sensitive
device, a gravimeter. Observed there also were the fluctuations of the
Earthts magnetic field and the earth currents. Much of the work under
the MY program was carried out also by the meteorological institute.
In addition to their studies of the atmosphere, our scientists measured
the Sunts radiation. The institute had collected all the information
on the northern lights to establish a broad information service in the
course of the ] Y. Its ionosphere-observation station was one of those
that produced the basic data on the peculiarly "light days."
We cannot refer to the results of the International Geophysical
Year without mentioning the heroic performance of the polar expeditions
whose scientists volunteered to endure the hostile elements of nature
in the name of science. The point under consideration is the exploration
of the southern permafrost zones. The task of the Antarctic explorers
was to find out whether the Antarctic is a continent. They established
that the Antarctic actually has a continental structure but a certain
part of it is made up of a number of islands.
Scientists have for a long time been interested in the causes
behind the rising Scandinavian surface. The explanation offered was
that during the glacial period the earth's crust was caved in by a
layer of ice 2-3 kilometers thick, and when the ice melted it reverted
to its original position. It was decided to check the authencity of
this assumption in the Antarctic. That latter also contains huge
glaciers 2-3 kilometers thick, and sometimes even 4 kilometers. A
study of the seismic waves, humidity changes and even direct drilling
operations revealed that over a considerable area down there the earth's
crust actually sank below sea level.
One of the exploration groups mapped the protruding peaks of the
Antarctic mountains. They range approximately from 2,300 to 4,600 meters
in height; they are part of single mountain chain system. Preliminary
geological investigations indicate that this system of mountains is of
a volcanic origin; 90% of them are covered with snow and ice. Tests
were made on some of the rock samples taken from the east Antarctic
gneiss shield. Their age is about 520 million years. It is interesting
to point.out that the Rio de Janeiro gneiss (South America) and the
Oapetoan granites (South Africa) go back to about the same era. This
circumstance justifies the belief that the continents came into being
simultaneously.
Thus these few examples alone ,real the extent to which the
j International Geophysical Year has advanced the study of the mysteries
i/ of our Earth. ("Geophysical Studies," by Eded Laslo, Nauka I Zhytta,
No 5, 1960; pages 57-58.)
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CPYRGHT
11. ROCKETS AND ARTIF2OIAL EARTH SATELLITES
Soviet S ceshi and Rocket-Carrier Observed Over Moscow -- An Izvesti
Dispatch
The Savic spaceship has been continuing its speedy flight around
the Earth for almost a half-month. This giant is demonstrating to the
entire world that the laurels of priority and preeminence are firmly in
the possession of our country.
During the first days after the launching, good conditions for
observation prevailed in the southern regions of the Soviet Union. In
the last few days it has also been possible to observe the spaeeship.in
the vicinity of Moscow, but the continuous cloud cover has unfortunately
made it impossible to see the ship. But yesterday Moscow residents were
able to observe it for the first time.
Despite the late hour, a great many people were gathered on the
astronom.i,cal observing area at the planetarium. At 0210 hours the
delighted cry "There it isi" was heard. Moving through the sky rapidly
in a southwesterly direction was a small bright "star? -- the rocket-
carrier. It varied in brightness. During its flight.the rocket was
continually "tumbling."
At 0231 another. small "star" Shot over the cavital -- this was
I the spaceship itself. "Spaceship. Over the Capital," by V. Lutskiy,
Izvestiya, 28 May 1960) CPYRGHT
Soviets Put Models of S ace Instruments on Exhibition
The following brief notice recently appeared Pravda:
After a partial renovation of the exhibition, the doors were
opened yesterday to the so-called "Rocket Hall" of the pavilion of the
Academy of Sciences of the USSR at.the Exhibition of Achievements of
the National Economy of the USSR.
Visitors exhibited a lively interest while examining models of
Soviet space instruments that have functioned beyond the Earth and a
great deal of other material clearly evidencing the outstanding attain-
ments of the Soviet Union in the mastery of space.
For the first time a model of the interplanetary station launched
with the third Soviet cosmic rocket on I. October of last year was set
up in the center of the hall. In the upper part of the shining metal
body of the station one could see the opened slrttters of the television
apparatus used to photograph the reverse side of the Moon and transmit
its image to the Earth.
Of great interest is the display stand entitled "Means and Methods
of Observing Artificial Earth Satellites." In particular, a new
instrument is on display which is used in. the observation and photo-
graphing of satellites. It is supplied with a moving film which gives
a bright photograph and a clear image. ("Station for Photographing
the Moon," Pravda, 29 May 1960, page 6) .
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Russians Use Meteorological Rockets in Research in Franz Josef Land
A recent article In Neel , the Sunday supplement o he news-
paper Izve stiya, reports on ov a activities in Franz Josef Land.
Mention is made of research work and exploration conducted
under the leadership of P. Ya. Mikhalenko. The article indicates
that after four years of work every islet, mountain peak and embay-
ment has been fully mapped.
The article is centered on meteorological work by the use of
rockets. and a photograph illustrates the recovery of a nose cone.
Nevertheless, the article emphasizes the human interest angle, not the
scientific aspects of this research. ("Rocket Goes Into the Zenith,"
by Be Ko],okolov, Nedelya, No 9, 24-30 April 1960, pages 8-9)
Conference on Problems of the Mathematical Theory of the Motion of
Artificial Celestial Bodies
A conference on problems of the mathematical theory of the
motion of artificial celestial bodies (satellites and rockets) was
held from 22 to 25 December 1959 at the State Astronomic Institute
imeni P. K. Shternberg (GAISh), Moscow State University. The con-
ference was organized by the Chair of Celestial Mechanics and Gravimetry
of Moscow State University (Professor G. N. Duboshin, Head of the
Chair) on commission and under active assistance of GASh and in close
contact with the;Institute of Theoretical Astronomy of the Academy of
Sciences USSR (ITA, Leningrad), The Astronomical Council of the
Academy of Sciences USSR, the Mathematics Institute of the Academy
of Sciences USSR (MIAN), and other organizations.
A report on the conference appears in Astronomicheskiy Zhurnal,
Vol 37, No 2, 1960, in which a brief resume of each of the reports
which were read is presented.
More than 100 persons participated in the conference. These
were representatives of 30 scientific research institutes and establish-
ments, among which were: GASh, 1TA, Astrosovet [Astronomical Council,
Academy of Sciences USSR], MIAN, Institute of Mechanics of the Academy
of Sciences USSR, Central Scientific Research Institute of Geodesy,
Aerial Photography and Cartography (TsNIIGAiK), the Chair of Theoret-
ical Mechanics of Moscow State University.,, the universities of Lenin-
grad, Kazan, Rostov, Tbilisi, Latvia, and others. Seventeen of the
28 reports heard were read by professors, associates and aspirants of
Moscow State University. ("Conference on the Problems bf the Mathe-
matical Theory of the Motion of Artificial Celestial Bodies," by Ye.
A. 3rebenikov' Moscow, Astronomicheskiy Zhurnal, Vol 37, No 2, 1960,
pages 362-3681
Czechoslovak Observatory Used as Part of Moscow Tracki Center
'he rash of official and semi-o .icial Czechoslovak commentary
on the recent launching of -the Soviet "space ship," published in he
Czechoslovak press, includes information which indicates that at least
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olio -:zcchoslovalt astronomical observatory is integrated with the Moscow
~:.~el:irta center. A brief item in a series of pronouncements by prominent
scientists, identifies Dr. Otto Oburka as the director of the Oblast
Peo,lets Observatory In Brno, "which is sitmtlt neously the official
observation station No 143 of the Moscow center for tracking artificial
sutellittes and rockets."
According to other commentary published, it is apparent that most
of the facilities of the Czechoslovak and Slovak academies of science
were engaged in observation of the space craft. Identified facilities
include the Astronomical Observatory of the Slovak Academy of Sciences,
located at Skalnatc Pleso in the Tatra Mountains, whose director is
iir;'.cd as Dr. Ludmila Pajduskova-Mrkosova; the Astronomical Observatory
of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences at Ondrejov, which Is stated
to kx. well prepared to record the first optical sightings of the ship
as It passes over Czechoslovakia; and the Ionosphere Station at Panska
Ves, which apparently monitored the signals of the space ship.
The 18 May 1960 issue of the same source contains a brief item
of information which Identifies the director of the Popular Aatronemieal
C"Lservatory at Prague-Petrin to be one FrantiseK Kadavy and states that
the observatory is part of the Czechoslovak Astronautic: Society. Kadavy
s the occasional author of popular science-type articles in selected
Czech periodicals. ("Persuasive Proof of Primacy," unsigned news item,
Prague, Obrana Lidu, 17 May 1960, pages 1-2)
III. UPPER ATMOSPHERE
CPYRGHT
Fri13. T.canslation?_-of an Article on the Earthts Corona U I. Shklovski
YPe0pe thart. interplandi"27 tlpaurl 11 ME Hand 33;
'bso.'.ute vacuum. In actuality this Is not she case. Interplanetary
space is filled with a material medium, although, to be sure,it is
eZ,;remely rarefied.
The thrrough study of the :natter found :n the uppermost portions
of the Earthts atmosphere and in interplanetary space is one of the most
=gent problems of modern astronomy and geophysics. It is through the
regions of cosmic space adjoining the Earth that the trajectories of
interplanetary flights will pass in the none-too-distrait future. As
it is absolutely necessary for aviation to know all the properties of
the air ocean surrounding the Earth,'so for astronautics it is necessary
to know all the properties of this interplanetary medium. This is
especially Important to insure reliable radio corununications with
nterplanetary rockets.
There is another but no less important side to this problem. As
s well known, streams of solar corpuscles pass through Interplanetary
space; on ezltering the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere they cause
considerable perturbations therein. This, in particular, determines
-6-
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the conditions for terrestrial radio communication on the short waves.
Consequently, a study of the factors causing such perturbations, and
the possibility of predicting than, is of great practical significance.
An understanding of the immense significance which the Sun
exercises on various terrestrial phenomena is possible only by a
clarification of the properties of the streams of solar corpuscles and
the interplanetary gas medium through which these streams travel.
Meanwhile astronomical and geophysical reseavch accomplished over a
period of many years from tho. Earth's surface has nct led to a clear
understanding of the gaseous medium filling cosmic space, either in
the vicinity of the Earth, or at great distances from it.
In the same way, we }snow little for certain about the nature
of the streams of solar corpuscles. Such an abnormal situation is
clue to the great diffirultics with which it is necessary to contend
during the solution of this interesting and important problem.
There is every reason to assume that the gas in interplanetary
space should for the most part be ionized, that is, consist of
particles charged positively (ions) and negatively (electrons). In
principle it is possible to observe the interplanetary ionized gas
medium because the electrons which form a part of it will scatter the
Sun's light. When this happens the light rays experience certain
qualitative changes called polarization. On the other hand, inter-
planetary space is filled with extremely fine hard particles -- specks
of dust, which also scatter sunlight. This luminescence ca