NSU has won an RSCF grant for setting up a new laboratory for Geodynamics and Paleomagnetism of Central and Eastern Arctic Regions.
Russian Science Foundation (RSCF) announced the winners of the competition for funding of projects proposed by Russian research laboratories working in collaboration with universities. Out of 400 projects from 58 regions of Russia, only 38 projects won the Foundation support.
The Head of the Laboratory, Professor Valery A. Vernikovsky, Corresponding Member of RAS and the Dean of the Geology and Geophysics Department at NSU says, 鈥淢odern integrated exploration of the Arctic zone is impossible without carrying out the geodynamic analysis of the territory and reconstructing the history of main Arctic structures formation as well as the tectonic history of the Arctic region as a whole. Our Laboratory for Geodynamics and Paleomagnetism of Central and Eastern Arctic Regions will allow us to be well along in enquiry due to using the modern equipment of highest international standards. Geological study of pericontinental domains including the their continuation in the offshore areas and the archipelago islands is to be the base for their tectonic analysis followed by characterization of the main structures within the Kara, Laptev and East Siberian Seas. Both basement and sedimentary structures will be covered.
This research can result in reconstructing the formation of sedimentary basins including petroliferous ones. The project will focus on developing evolution geodynamic models and paleotectonic reconstructions. To do it we plan to obtain paleomagnetic data on the archipelagos of Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya, Severnaya Zemlya and the New Siberian Islands, which are missing now. In order to control the age-specific data of the main structures and complexes formation we will carry out paleontological and isotope geochemical geochronological research.鈥�
Valery Arnoldovich added, 鈥淏y setting up this laboratory at NSU we will reinforce the links between the university and research institutes of SB RAS as well as start international collaboration on complex geodynamic study of the Arctic region. The new lab will accumulate the most up-to-date analytical equipment including the 鈥渕agnetic vacuum room鈥� and a super-sensitive 2G Enterprises SQUID magnetometer based on low-temperature (helium) superconductivity.鈥�
The grant鈥檚 funds have been allocated for a period of three years, with possibility of project prolongation. The amount of the grants varies from 10 to 25 million rubles per year.
