APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110012-0
Seismologists of the Geophysical Institute of the CSAV are doing significant research on the seismicity of Europe and the classification of European earthquakes. They have made major contributions to the European Seismological Commission with regard to these topics, including cooperation with other East European countries in the deep seismic sounding of the Carpathian-Balkan region. This institute also emphasizes the study of the propagation of seismic waves and is active in terrestrial heat flow research. Research in exploration geophysics, including deep-seismic sounding and ultrasonic well-logging, is conducted by the Institute of Applied Geophysics. Geophysical prospecting is done also by the Mining Research Institute, Prague, of the CSAV, and by other organizations.
Some scientific geological research is conducted by the Institute of Geology of the CSAV, Prague, and by that of the SAV, Bratislava. However, the Czechoslovak geological effort is directed primarily to mineral prospecting. This effort is coordinated by the Central Geological Institute, Prague, which is analogous to a national geological survey. The institute cooperates in this work with various other geological as well as geophysical and mining activities. It is engaged in a long-range program to explore the deep geological structure of the north rim of the Alps and of the Carpathians. In addition to the search for minerals, this effort is directed to locating potential subterranean heat sources. Plans for the development of geology in Czechoslovakia until 1980 have been prepared also under the auspices of the Central Geological Institute.
(5) Geodesy—Geodetic research capabilities in Czechoslovakia are slightly behind those of Hungary and East Germany and are considerably behind those of the leading countries of Western Europe and the U.S.S.R. The Research Institute for Geodesy, Topography, and Cartography, Prague, the most modern and best equipped geodetic facility in the nation, is the leading center for both theoretical and applied geodetic research. Geodetic studies are geared primarily toward applied research and have covered many fields of geodetic triangulation and leveling. New first- through fourth-order triangulation and the unified leveling networks have been completed. Research and experimental studies have included the problems of measuring errors, the determination of related elevations in mountainous regions, and recent movements of the earth's crust.
As a member of the East European Sub-Commission for Satellite Geodesy, Czechoslovakia participates in geodetic observations and studies based on these observations. The country has assisted the United States and France with their geodetic satellite programs and is participating currently in the dynamics program and the International Satellite Geodesy Experiment. Research activity has focused on the adjustment of spatial satellite nets, the determination of the shape and dimensions of the earth from satellite and terrestrial data, and the reduction of satellite observations.
Activity in geodetic astronomy has led to the development of a new method of comparing clocks with microsecond accuracy using image synchronization impulses of television transmissions. Czechoslovakia's 5-year plan (1971-75) calls for the determination and solution of problems of latitude for geodetic and astronomic purposes.
Gravimetric studies have included the downward continuation of gravity to a reference surface, satellite orbit computations using gravity anomalies, fundamental gravity parameters of the earth's figure, and the structure of the earth's gravity field derived from satellite data. Problems concerning tidal observations and systematic observations of earth tides below the surface of the earth also have received considerable attention.
Dr. Milan Bursa is probably the best known geodesist in the European Communist countries. His contributions include the determination of the Czechoslovak ellipsoid and research in using satellite geodesy to determine the figure of the earth, both independently and combined with classical methods. Bursa works closely with Dr. L.P. Pellinen, a leading Soviet scientist who investigates the combined use of gravity and satellite data.
(6) Hydrology and hydraulics—Czechoslovakia is one of the leading East European Communist countries in hydrologic and hydraulic research. The research is predominantly of an applied nature and is directed toward full utilization and control of water resources for hydroelectric energy, irrigation, domestic and industrial water supplies, improvement of inland waterways, and flood control. The principal organization conducting this type of research are the Institute for Hydrodynamics of the CSAV in Prague, the Hydrologic and Hydraulic Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, and the Research Institute of Water Economy in Prague.
Research in hydrology is directed toward the problems of determining precipitation-runoff relationships, long-term discharge forecasts, flood control, dynamics of suspended and transported
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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110012-0
