Historical
review
Characteristic
of data array
Section data Publications

Characteristic of data array of observations done in the Section

The yearly number of observations along the Section illustrates the long-term evolution of research cruises (Fig.7). There were gaps in the beginning of the century and during World War II, as well as upward and downward trends. Observations were made most frequently in the early 1970’s, and this seems to be excessive for studies of seasonal variability of oceanographic parameters. This was related to the implementation in that period of programmes studying short-term variability in environmental properties. The graph also shows an increasing trend in the number of observations after the minimum in 1994, which is an effect of using equipped fishing vessels to conduct research along the Section.

The distribution of the available monthly data along the Section illustrates a higher research activity in the warm period of the year when conditions for operation at sea are the most favourable and vice versa (Fig.8). However, on the whole, a difference between extrema is relatively minor and for the most part of the post-war period is expressed to a lesser extent.

Figure 7. Annual number of the Kola Section occupations (stations 3-7)
Figure 8. Occupation of the Kola Section by months (1900-1998, stations 3-7)

The greatest contribution to the total number of observations carried out along the Section was made by PINRO and MADHEM and 99.7 % of the total amount has been obtained by Russian organisations (Fig.9).

Figure 9. Contribution of Russian institutions and foreign countries to the observations along the Kola Section, 1900-1998

The contribution raises in Russian oceanographers both pride for the huge amount of work done and a hope to extend in the future other partner’s participation in the continuation of the unique series of observations along the Kola Section by our foreign colleagues involved in investigations of the northern seas and North Atlantic.

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