Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Atlas of Circum-Arctic Geological Maps at 1: 5 000 000, 1 : 2 500 000 Scales  (Atlas of Circum-Arctic Geological Maps at 1: 5 000 000, 1 : 2 500 000 Scales)

Outline
Synthesis and cartographical representation of data on the geological composition, geophysical fields and tectonic development of the northern Circum-Arctic area of the Earth within the International Agreement of the Arctic States; long-term metallogenic potential assessment and the eventual impact of the natural resources development on the environment. The southern boundary of the Circum-Arctic area is limited by the 60th degree North Latitude. Maps are scheduled to be compiled not only for the mainland but also for the bottom of the Arctic Ocean, the northern Atlantic Ocean and the northern Pacific Ocean. The Atlas will comprise digital maps at 1: 5 000 000 scale for the whole territory and more detailed maps at 1: 2 500 000 scale for individual major regions that are also better studied. The scheduled updated digital maps are as follows: geological map, map of magnetic field anomalies, gravimetric map, tectonic map, metallogenic map and energy resources map. Consistency of geological materials will be assured through their integration into standard GIS formats on the basis of unified legends.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
(1). Compilation of the Atlas of geological and geophysical maps to reflect modern concepts and knowledge of the composition and evolution of the Arctic as the basis for fundamental and applied research on regional and global scales; (2). Reconstruction of the past environmental changes through paleographic maps of the Arctic for time slices of the Phanerozoic Eon embracing ca. 500 million years to form an updated vision of the tectonic structure of the Arctic and to forecast its further development; (3). Objective assessment of the Arctic resource potential and its role in the global mineral, fuel and energy supplies; (4). Broad international cooperation, contributions from best experts, exchange of new technologies and sharing of results by partner-states for more comprehensive geological and prospecting studies.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Solution of complex scientific, technical and economic problems is possible only through coordination of all Arctic countries. Modern informational technologies enable a qualitatively new level of data generalisation. The project won official endorsement at the Geological Congress in Florence where it was discussed in three sessions: at the meeting of ministers of natural resources and heads of geological surveys of Russia, the USA, Canada, Norway and Finland; at the General Assembly of the Commission of the Geological Map of the World and at a special meeting of geological surveys of the Arctic countries.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Russian Academy of Sciences (RAN)Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian FederationIPY Organizational Committee of the Russian FederationCommission for the Geological Map of the World (CGMW) andSubcomission of the Northern EurasiaGeological Surveys of Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia, Sweden and USA

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?


The present project is a result of the initiative of the geological surveys of Geological Surveys of Russia, the USA, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland to conduct joint investigations in geology and mineral resources of the Circum-Arctic Arctic that was discussed at several working meetings (St. Petersburg, 2003; Tromsö, 2004, Florence, 2004). The project was further discussed at the Geological Congress in Florence in three sessions: at the meeting of ministers of natural resources and heads of Geological Surveys of the USA, Canada, Norway and Finland; at the General Assembly of the Commission for the Geological Map of the World and at a special meeting of representatives of geological surveys of the Arctic countries.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be coordinated and supervised by the CGMW through the Subcomission for the Northern Eurasia. Work on the Atlas of geological and geophysical maps of the Circum-Arctic will be carried out by specialists from geological surveys of Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia, Sweden, the USA and some other countries that work in the Arctic who will form working groups and have regular working meetings. In accordance with the Minutes of the Meeting of Geological Surveys of Arctic Countries (Florence, 2004) the A.P. Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute (VSEGEI) as representative of the Russian Federal Agency for Mineral Resources will coordinate the project

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Project results will be published as geological and geophysical maps, paleogeographic and geodynamic reconstructions will be open to the general public and easy to use in compilation of general education booklets and study manuals for specialist educational establishments. Project results will be promoted at exhibitions that will also serve as public relations events

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
All the mapping data under this project will be open to the general public and available as digital and hard copies. Updated data and links to the digital databases consulted will be posted at the CGMW web site

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Each participating country will self-finance its part of the project. For example, geological and geophysical data integration on the Russian part of the Arctic is carried out by the VSEGEI and VNIIOkeangeologia and since 2004 is financed by the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources. Editing and publication of the Atlas of composite maps is planned to be financed through UNESCO.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
All proposed geological and geophysical materials for the Atlas of Circum-Arctic Maps will be discussed at the forthcoming meeting of representatives of geological surveys of the Arctic countries in the summer of 2005 to shape the final project

PROPOSER DETAILS

Doctor, Director General Oleg V Petrov
A.P. Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute (VSEGEI)
St. Petersburg, Sredny pr. 74
199110
Russia

Tel: +7 (812) 321 57 06
Mobile: +7 (812) 933 29 55
Fax: +7 (812) 321 30 23
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation