The uniform system of seismic observations of the U.S.S.R. and prospects of its development

In the period up to about 1965 the stations of the Soviet seismic network distributed throughout the regions of the U.S.S.R. had increased in number to in excess of one hundred. In order that the data provided by such stations could be applied to the study of the earth's structure rather than merely regional problems, and to the determination of the seismic character of the territory of the U.S.S.R. as a whole, it became necessary to institute the Unified System of Seismic Observations (USSO) of the U.S.S.R. The standardization of data and organization of the stations into a system of base and regional stations and also into zonal networks, covering specific seismic zones of the U.S.S.R., has been effected within the USSO. Currently the USSO consists of 215 stations mostly equipped with high-sensitivity instruments with magnifications of 20–50,000 and dynamic ranges of 35–40 dB. To exploit the large volume of observational data obtained through the system it is necessary to devise a programme for the transmission, processing and storage of data on the necessary scale. In the present paper we describe the methods which have been adopted and those which are in the course of development for such a programme in the U.S.S.R.     

Determination of polar motion by Doppler tracking of artificial satellite

Doppler tracking of artificial satellites has been applied to determine the pole components through an experiment called MEDOC. In addition to developing scientific aspects dealing with polar motion, it is proposed to promote new observational techniques and to investigate the possibility of operating an international permanent service. So far, nearly two years of bi-daily solutions have been derived. Each improvement of computational procedures, data processing and station component determination has contributed to better precision in the computed pole positions. MEDOC pole coordinate solutions show good agreement with DMA and BIH global solutions corrected for annual terms. Differences of the smoothed values are less than one meter for both components. The MEDOC experiment was initiated by the GRGS (Groupe de Recherches de Géodésie Spatiale) and took place in 1977 and 1978. The experiment as presently organized will continue up to 1980. Future improvements are still foreseen by increasing the number of observing sites and refinement of the force models, but already international involvement is taking place in the MEDOC experiment.     

Numerical simulation of ground acceleration spectra and accelerograms for engineering application

A numerical approach to the earthquake ground motion analysis is proposed for regions where no accelerograms are available. Using Haskell matrix techniques, the response spectra of a layered substratum for SV waves were calculated and then multiplied by the spectra corresponding to Brune's type pulses. The ground acceleration spectra were obtained for different angles of pulse incidence at the substratum base. The spectrum shape depends upon the substratum response and the pulse shape, while its level was related to the maximum ground acceleration corresponding to the expected maximum intensity. Transformation of the ground spectra into the time domain produced numerical accelerograms for horizontal and vertical components and for different angles of pulse incidence. Finally, a standard statistical procedure was applied to obtain the design response spectra used in engineering applications.     

A comment on the effect of discretization on dispersion

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An effective method of frequency analyses of time series of geo-physical quantities

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Macroseismic observations of earthquake in Yugoslavia (April 15, 1979, 06h21m gmt), on the territory of Czechoslovakia

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Cretaceous transgressions and regressions on the Russian Platform, in Crimea and Central Asia

This paper is a brief explanation of the diagrams of the Cretaceous transgressions and regressions on the Russian Platform, in the Crimea (Figures 1–3) and some regions of central Asia—the western flanks of the Tien Shan mountains, the Fergana basin, the Zeravshan-Gissar and Alaj mountains, and the Northern Pamirs (Figures 5–7).Internationally recognized stages are employed. They are interpreted by Sasonova (1967) for the Lower Cretaceous (K₁) of the Russian Platform, by Naidin (1977) for the Upper Cretaceous (K₂) of the Platform and the Crimea, by Djalilov (1971) and Pojarkova (1976) for the Upper Cretaceous of central Asia. General data on the stratigraphy of the Cretaceous of central Asia may be found in Anon 1977.     

Late Quaternary Paleoceanography of the Gulf of Aqaba (Elat), Red Sea

The quantitative distribution of planktonic foraminifera, pteropods, and coccolithophorids, as well as oxygen-isotope variations were analyzed in four deep-sea cores from the Gulf of Aqaba (Elat) and the northernmost Red Sea. The core record covers about 150,000 yr. Detailed stratigraphic subdivision is facilitated by combining all calcareous plankton groups. Time-stratigraphic correlation and dating beyond the radiocarbon range are possible by comparison of the oxygen-isotope curves. During the glacial maximum salinity rose to more than 50‰, while winter temperature of the upper waters fell by at least 4°C compared to the present. The rise in salinity can be accounted for by sea-strait dynamics and lowering of sea level. The Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea were continuously connected through the Straits of Tiran, and there is no indication of desiccation during the glacial maximum.