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the Alpha and Mendeleev Ridges. Oakey and Saltus (2016) conclude that the closest
analog to the Alpha-Mendeleev complex is the Kerguelen Plateau, located in the
southern Indian Ocean, which is considered a continental plateau intensively modified by plume-related volcanism.
Advances in technology, and the use of powerful icebreakers have made it possible to collect seismic data of high quality that image the sedimentary cover below
the Arctic seafloor as well as the acoustic basement. An example of such a profile is
given in Fig. 5, taken from the (published) executive summary of the revised submission by the Russian Federation to the CLCS. In addition to using acoustic methods to map the Arctic Ocean, detailed surveys and sampling of rocks provide
additional information on the nature and evolution of many of the seafloor highs,
including the Lomonosov Ridge, the Alpha Ridge and the Mendeleev Ridge. The
Arctic States will undoubtedly use this information to justify the natural prolongation of their continental shelves along these features.
5 Conclusion
The Arctic Ocean represents a harsh environment, whose ocean floor has a complex
geological history. Given the severe climatic conditions, international collaboration
and cooperation is paramount to successful geoscientific research in the Arctic
Ocean. The authors of this article have practiced such international collaboration in
many regions and many fields of geoscience for many years. We are convinced that
independent, yet collaborative science is paramount, and that it is the responsibility
of scientists worldwide to strive towards this ideal.
In the Arctic Ocean, the Arctic States have realized that, despite sometimes competing interests, nothing can be done without collaboration and cooperation. For
example, it is clear that multiple ship operations, often multinational, are needed to
develop three dimensional cross sections of the Arctic crust. Also, that in-situ spot
sampling of basement rock outcrops is needed rather than random dredging of the
seafloor. Observations of the natural environment have to be long term and wideFig. 5 Multichannel profile crossing some of the most important features of the Arctic Ocean,
from the Barents-Kara shelf to the Canada Basin. This composite profile was collected by Russian
and other scientific teams. (Source: Revised submission by the Russian Federation to the CLCS:
http://www.un.org/depts/los/clcs_new/submissions_files/rus01_rev15/2015_08_03_Exec_
Summary_English.pdf)
W. R. Roest and R. T. Haworth
the Alpha and Mendeleev Ridges. Oakey and Saltus (2016) conclude that the closest
analog to the Alpha-Mendeleev complex is the Kerguelen Plateau, located in the
southern Indian Ocean, which is considered a continental plateau intensively modified by plume-related volcanism.
Advances in technology, and the use of powerful icebreakers have made it possible to collect seismic data of high quality that image the sedimentary cover below
the Arctic seafloor as well as the acoustic basement. An example of such a profile is
given in Fig. 5, taken from the (published) executive summary of the revised submission by the Russian Federation to the CLCS. In addition to using acoustic methods to map the Arctic Ocean, detailed surveys and sampling of rocks provide
additional information on the nature and evolution of many of the seafloor highs,
including the Lomonosov Ridge, the Alpha Ridge and the Mendeleev Ridge. The
Arctic States will undoubtedly use this information to justify the natural prolongation of their continental shelves along these features.
5 Conclusion
The Arctic Ocean represents a harsh environment, whose ocean floor has a complex
geological history. Given the severe climatic conditions, international collaboration
and cooperation is paramount to successful geoscientific research in the Arctic
Ocean. The authors of this article have practiced such international collaboration in
many regions and many fields of geoscience for many years. We are convinced that
independent, yet collaborative science is paramount, and that it is the responsibility
of scientists worldwide to strive towards this ideal.
In the Arctic Ocean, the Arctic States have realized that, despite sometimes competing interests, nothing can be done without collaboration and cooperation. For
example, it is clear that multiple ship operations, often multinational, are needed to
develop three dimensional cross sections of the Arctic crust. Also, that in-situ spot
sampling of basement rock outcrops is needed rather than random dredging of the
seafloor. Observations of the natural environment have to be long term and wideFig. 5 Multichannel profile crossing some of the most important features of the Arctic Ocean,
from the Barents-Kara shelf to the Canada Basin. This composite profile was collected by Russian
and other scientific teams. (Source: Revised submission by the Russian Federation to the CLCS:
http://www.un.org/depts/los/clcs_new/submissions_files/rus01_rev15/2015_08_03_Exec_
Summary_English.pdf)
W. R. Roest and R. T. Haworth