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Institute has concerned latitude and time determinations; the development of a method for very exact comparison of crystal clocks over long distances using the direct ultra-short waves of a TV network; and the determination of systematic and individual errors of time observations and time systems from approximately 3,000 time observations. Astronomical determination of longitude were studied to explore the efficiency of the transit instrument procedure for the investigation of recent horizontal movements of the earth's crust.

Research in the field of satellite geodesy is carried out at the Central Geophysical Institute in Potsdam. As a member of the East European Subcommission for Satellite Geodesy, East Germany participates in geodetic observations and studies based on these observations. The satellite tracking station in Potsdam is taking part in the International Satellite Geodesy Experiment (ISAGEX) to observe faint satellites for dynamical purposes. Studies in geometrical satellite geodesy include the theory of errors with regard to stellar and space triangulation. Activity in dynamical satellite geodesy has led to a highly efficient method for measuring the earth's gravity field from satellite observations. Other studies in this field were concerned with the orbit theory of artificial satellites.


(5) Hydrology and hydraulics — Research is competent and mainly applied, with emphasis on methods for improving the efficiency of inland waterways, increasing hydroelectric power output, and draining and reclaiming land. Research underway at laboratories in East Berlin and Dresden is concerned with hydraulic models to study seepage, sedimentation, irrigation, lock and weir design, river channeling, and current velocities in navigation channels.

East Germany is a leader among the East European Communist countries in coastal research, which consists mainly of studies pertaining to geology, hydrology, tides, littoral drift, harbor protection, and conservation. The two leading institutes engaged in coastal research are the Institute of Oceanography, Rostock, and the Institute of Physical Hydrography, East Berlin. The Institute of Oceanography has analyzed subsoil for the construction of seawalls in the Rostock port area and has charted submarine gravel layers in the Baltic Sea. The Institute of Physical Hydrography studies littoral drift by using luminescent-dye techniques.


(6) Oceanography — The oceanographic research capability, although below that of most other European countries, has shown gradual improvement. Oceanographic research has been restricted by the loss of oceanographers through defections, and by insufficient funds, poor instrumentation, and ineffective management. East Germany is attempting to recruit oceanographers from other Communist countries, and, at the same time, more students are encouraged to enroll in oceanographic studies at the Karl Marx University in Leipzig and Humboldt University.

The oceanographic fleet is adequate to satisfy East German research requirements for the Baltic and North Sea areas. Out-of-area fisheries research expeditions have been accomplished off West Africa and in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. Oceanographic ships, ranging in length from 120 to 180 feet, include the Karl Liebknecht, Professor Albrecht Penck (Figure 5), the rebuilt Meteor (Figure 6), Eisenach, Johl Kruger, and the Hydrograph. The 223-foot fisheries research ship Ernst Haeckel was built in 1963 and has recently been overhauled. The newest addition to the research fleet is the 192-foot oceanographic ship Alexander von Humboldt, which was commissioned in July 1970. In 1966 a class of oceanographic shops was constructed for Soviet oceanographic organizations.

Since about 1960 a gradual increase in basic oceanographic research has developed, although such applied investigations as fisheries surveys in the Baltic Sea area receive the most emphasis. Particular attention is being given to light diffusion studies as related to pollution measurements in the Baltic. Harbor development and nearshore surveys are of primary importance, and considerable work is being done to prevent coastal erosion. Such work includes statistical analysis of wave recordings, sediment transport, and coastal hydrography. Information pertaining to the effort expended on military oceanography is sparse; however, research and development in hydroacoustics is known to be improving, but it remains inferior to and dependent upon that of the U.S.S.R. Some oceanographic instrumentation is of East German origin, such as wave recorders, current meters, temperature and salinity sensors, and instrumented buoys, while other oceanographic instruments are acquired from the U.S.S.R. and West Germany.

The most important East German oceanographic organization is the Institute for Oceanography at Warnemeunde, subordinate to AW. Its primary interests are in physical, chemical, and dynamic oceanography. Other organizations that conduct


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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R00020011022-9