SUMMARY REPORT OF THE EIGHTH SESSION OF THE IOC EDITORIAL BOARD FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BATHYMETRIC CHART OF THE MEDITERRANEAN (IBCM-EB)
AND ITS GEOLOGICAL-GEOPHYSICAL SERIES

1. OPENING

The Chairman, Prof. Carlo Morelli, opened the 8^th Session of the Editorial Board for the International Bathymetric Chart of the Mediterranean (EB-IBCM-VIII) at 09:00 on Wednesday, 1 September 1999. The Session was held at the World Ocean Museum, on board of the renown research vessel "VITYAZ ", Kaliningrad, Russian Federation.

Also in attendance were Prof. Emelyan M. Emelyanov (ABIORAS), Ing. en chef Michel Huet representing the International Hydrographic Bureau (IHB), Capt. 1^st rank Andrei V. Popov (Chief Editor, HDNO), Ing. général Patrick Souquière (SHOM), Mr. Giannis Papaioannou (HNHS), Dr. Troy Holcombe (NGDC), Dr. Dmitri Travin (IOC), Prof. Pavel N. Kuprin (MSU) and Dr. Kazimeras M. Shimkus (SBIORAS). A list of participants, together with the full name of their institutions, appears in Annex I. A list of acronyms is also provided in Annex VIII.

The Chairman welcomed the participants, giving a brief history of IBCM. He noted that the session would be fruitful in that the IBCM-M (Magnetic Anomalies) sheets colour proofs were printed and available for reviewing. He also informed the participants that Prof. John K. Hall, Geological Survey of Israel and IBCM-EB Vice-Chairman, could not attend the session because of a health problem. It was suggested that participants send a fax to Prof. Hall to thank him for his very important contribution and wish him all the best. This proposal was accepted with enthusiasm.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SESSION

2.1 ADOPTION OF THE PROVISIONAL AGENDA

As there were no issues for discussion on the item 6.1 "Copyright and Wording of Credit Line," it was agreed to delete this item from the agenda.

The following additions to the agenda were accepted under item 7 "Other Matters: "

1. From P. Kuprin: "Geological and Geophysical Atlas of the Black and Azov Seas Regions"
   
2. From E. Emelyanov: "Geological and Geophysical Maps of the Baltic Sea"
   

The agenda was then approved as in Annex II.

2.2. DESIGNATION OF THE RAPPORTEUR

E. Emelyanov proposed Dr. V. Kravtsov (Atlantic Branch, Institute of Oceanology, Russia), as rapporteur for the meeting. This was unanimously agreed.

2.3. CONDUCT OF THE SESSION, TIMETABLE AND DOCUMENTATION

E. Emelyanov provided to the participants the timetable of the meeting, together with all appropriate documentation.

2.4. ELECTION OF THE VICE-CHAIRMAN

Noting that Hydrographic Offices play a key role in the provision of bathymetric data for IBCM, M. Huet conveyed the strong support of the International Hydrographic Bureau to the nomination of Ing. général Patrick Souquière, SHOM, for IBCM vice-chairmanship. The IHB believes that this will contribute to strengthening the relationships between IHO and IOC, and facilitating the participation of the Volunteering Hydrographic Offices (VHOs) in the IBCM project.

Five members of the EB, representing a quorum of the nine members of the IBCM-EB, met to elect the Vice-Chairman. D. Travin informed the EB that all requests from the 7^th Session of the IBCM-EB, related to this nomination, were satisfied. In addition, the nomination of P. Souquière for IBCM vice-chairmanship was approved by CGOM and the IOC Assembly. After a short discussion, he was unanimously elected as Vice-Chairman of the IBCM-EB.

3. EXPLANATORY BROCHURES-LEAFLETS FOR THE IBCM GEOLOGICAL/GEOPHYSICAL SERIES

3.1 ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING VIA THE INTERNET

T. Holcombe reported that the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) has prepared a provisional web site for the IBCM project. Copies of a CD-ROM containing the draft web pages were presented to the chairman for review and comment. Also it was recommended that these web pages be demonstrated on a PC computer for the EB.

He further reported that the bathymetry, seismicity, bouguer gravity, and sediment thickness maps were raster scanned in color by NGDC. The resulting picture files are included on the CD-ROM containing the web pages. Version of this image can be made available on-line for downloading via the Internet.

It was recommended that the Chairman interact with NGDC with the objective of improving and completing the draft web pages. Once these web pages are finally approved, the IBCM web site will be made accessible to the public by formally linking the web site to NGDC, IOC, IHO and GEBCO web pages.

3.2 BATHYMETRY

The Chairman reported that the bathymetric brochure was published first in 1988, and was reprinted with updated information in 1997 (3,500 copies for IOC) by J. Hall.

3.3 IBCM-G (GRAVITY)

The Chairman reported that the Osservatorio Geofisico Sperimentale (OGS) in Trieste has resumed publication of the Bollettino di Geofisica Teorica e Applicata, with a new International Editorial Board and Referees and with E. Klingele of Zurich as editor-in-chief. This journal offered to publish the IBCM-G, IBCM-M, IBCM-PQ, and IBCM-S brochures in a professional and timely manner. The peer-reviewed articles have the colour centerfolds of each series at 1:10M scale prepared by J. Hall and an appropriate number of reprints were printed carrying the IOC logo.

3.4 IBCM-PQ (PLIO-QUATERNARY SEDIMENT THICKNESS)

This IBCM-PQ brochure was published in the Bollettino di Geofisica Teorica e Applicata (see 3.3)

3.5 IBCM-S (SEISMICITY) - PREPARATION OF THE SEISMICITY

CATALOGUE

This IBCM-S brochure was published in the Bollettino di Geofisica Teorica e Applicata (see 3.3).

The catalogue of seismicity has been completed and will be presented on CD-ROM and be made available via the Internet. This data are not only important for their complete information on over 30,000 earthquakes, which occurred in the Mediterranean area, but also for the methodological improvements.

3.6 IBCM-SED (RECENT SEDIMENTS)

The EB asked the Chief Editor and E. Emelyanov to prepare a list of all co-authors of the sediment map, and to send to all of them (through the HDNO) the sheets of the map, in which they are mentioned as co-authors.

The EB further recommended that authors publish a short review about the sediment map in the Russian Scientific journals: "Oceanology", "Lithology and Mineral Resource" and in international journals.

K. Shimkus asked about the reasons why the brochure leaflet for IBCM-Sed was not published until now and how could the situation be improved. It was reported that the text of this brochure in English is in the hands of J. Hall. After further discussion D. Travin suggested publishing the leaflet for IBCM-Sed in the IOC technical series.

The Chairman suggested that the authors of this brochure (E. Emelyanov, K. Shimkus and P. Kuprin) prepare an updated version of the brochure, and provide it to D. Travin not later than November 1999, to be included in the IOC publication plan. Reprints of the updated brochure will be also distributed with the scale 1:5M IBCM-Sed map, kindly reproduced by J. Hall from the original map at scale 1:1M.

In addition to the E. Emelyanov's report, K. Shimkus emphasized that the IBCM-Sed map is the first large-scale map in the world compiled for a whole modern sedimentary basin.

This map was compiled using international legend and international classification, as well as special methods to harmonize the data obtained by different countries. These methods can be used to create new maps for other sedimentary basins of the World Ocean.

3.7 IBCM-M (MAGNETIC ANOMALIES)

This IBCM-M brochure was published in the Bollettino di Geofisico Teorica e Applicata (see 3.3).

3.8 GENERAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE BROCHURES

In agreement with the a previous decision of the EB, all the above-mentioned leaflets are sent to Cdr. Desmond P.D. Scott (distributor of the IBCM map series in Western countries) for distribution with the maps and for incorporation in the final IBCM volume.

4. COMPLETION OF THE GEOLOGICAL-GEOPHYSICAL SERIES

4.1 IBCM-M (MAGNETIC ANOMALIES) - 1:1M

The Chief Editor informed the EB that the HDNO has printed a color proof of sheets Nos 6 and 9 of the magnetic anomaly series at 1:1M scale.

The EB examined and accepted the above-mentioned color proofs. It was agreed to print 2,000 copies of each of the 10 sheets of the series.

4.2 IBCM-M (MAGNETIC ANOMALIES) - 1:5M

The Chairman passed on to the Chief Editor a diskette with information on the magnetic anomalies map at scale 1:5M, and a color copy, with a view to producing a color proof of this map during the year 2000.

4.3 DIGITISATION OF THE GEOLOGICAL-GEOPHYSICAL SERIES

The Chairman reviewed the history in which the bathymetry was digitised both by Petroconsultants and the HDNO for distribution to the Board members and interested scientists. The Petroconsultants dataset was later modified and is now available as a separate dataset on the GEBCO Digital Atlas (GDA), a CD-ROM put out by the British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC).

The preparation of the other geophysical maps was accomplished with digitisation for gravity and magnetic anomalies and for the seismicity map. The Catalogue of Seismicity is available only on CD-ROM.

It was reported that the digitisation of the geological maps (PQ and SED) is beyond the capabilities of the facilities available to the EB.

M. Huet noted that, as most of the IBCM series were available in digital form, albeit in different places, it may be appropriate to group all these data on a single CD-ROM which could be called "IBCM Digital Atlas" by reference to the GEBCO Digital Atlas. Topics concerned would include bathymetry, gravity anomalies, magnetic anomalies and seismicity. T. Holcombe volunteered to investigate the possibility to progress the matter, and this was accepted.

5. SECOND EDITION OF IBCM.

P. Souquière summarized the activities in France in reference to digital bathymetry.

• First, SHOM, as a national Hydrographic Office, is creating a digital bathymetric data base covering French waters, by digitizing depths on existing survey sheets (essentially post 1970) and compiling survey data in digital form. This database is constantly updated with new digital data resulting from digitizing or surveying; it therefore possible at any time to generate a digital terrain model (DTM) with specified grid size related to density of data existing in the database.
• Second, SHOM, as a VHO, has extended the coverage of its database, from French waters to French areas of responsibility (continental shelf of other countries excluded). All depths shown on "old" GEBCO plotting sheets in French areas of responsibility, have been digitized, and "new" plotting sheets are now maintained in digital form. In a similar manner as for French waters, these databases permit at any time generation of digital terrain models with specified grid size related to density of existing data.
• Finally, in regard to multibeam bathymetry SHOM has an agreement with IFREMER that permits, under some conditions, use of the bathymetric data collected in French waters by IFREMER, and updating of the French national digital bathymetric database.

He added that SHOM is prepared to participate in the second edition of IBCM by releasing a 0.5' grid size digital terrain model in its area of responsibility.

He also pointed out that every Hydrographic Office, and particularly VHOs, should feel responsible for developing digital bathymetric databases covering their waters and areas of responsibility. To conclude, he stressed the fact that the Chief Editor would have to manage a regional digital bathymetric database, and must have the capabilities to do so.

M. Huet reported on the participation of IHO Member States in the development of a 2^nd edition of IBCM, which will be entirely digital. IBCM-II Terms of Reference and draft technical specification, as elaborated by J. Hall, were discussed at the last IBCM meeting. As agreed at that meeting, Capt. H. Yüce, Hydrographer of Turkey, subsequently circulated this document to all concerned HOs, asking for their opinion. Comments were provided by France, Greece and Turkey. These comments and the original proposal were then discussed at the CGOM meeting held at the IHB, Monaco, in April 1999. It was felt that some of the proposed specifications may be difficult to meet. The CGOM Meeting therefore developed, as a substitute to the specifications, General Guidelines for IBCM-II. These Guidelines were favorably considered at the June 1999 Session of the IHO Mediterranean and Black Seas Hydrographic Commission (MBSHC), where the following decision was adopted (see Annex III):

"The Commission accepted the General Guidelines for the product, developed by CGOM. they affirm their support for the compilation and trial use of this product. the Commission invites the Volunteering Hydrographic Offices to provide releasable bathymetric data to the editor (HDNO Russian Federation), following the above-mentioned technical specifications."

M. Huet added that the IHB had polled IHO Member States regarding the possibility for HOs to release bathymetric data on continental margins to GEBCO. It resulted that a majority of HOs are prepared to accept that a selection of their bathymetric data be made available to GEBCO (and by extension to the IBC projects).

G. Papaioannou informed the EB that the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service, in its capacity as a VHO, is developing its digital bathymetric database. All depth shown on the old GEBCO plotting sheets covering Greek waters have been digitized, evaluated and enriched by new digital data, and are being prepared for maintenance on a continuous basis.

Mr. Huet noted that IBCM-II participants would include the participating VHOs, to supply the bathymetric data, the Chief Editor (i.e. HDNO, Russia), to collect and manage the data, and scientists (e.g. J. Hall) who should be involved in the quality control of the end product. He added that, whereas it was desirable that VHOs supply validated data, ideally as gridded data sets, this may not be the case for the time being. We may have situations where a selection of digital contours be made available to the chief editor or even where data are made available in analogue form, e.g. plotting sheets or nautical charts.

Therefore, it was important to ascertain whether the chief editor would be in a position:

• to exploit the data provided by VHOs, whether as gridded data sets, digital contours, or in analogue form;
• to manage the resulting IBCM bathymetric database;
• to elaborate the IBCM-II product as a DTM conforming to the agreed guidelines.

He felt that J. Hall's scientific contribution should be sought throughout the process as described above.

He further noted SHOM's intention to release validated bathymetric data to IBCM-II, as 0.5' gridded data sets. In this regard, he pointed out that a 0.5' grid space for IBCM-II, rather that the proposed 0.1' as in the specifications/guidelines, may better reflect the bathymetric data avaible. He felt that the 0.1' grid space should be limited to some areas with a high density of available bathymetric data.

The EB noted with great satisfaction the very positive attitude of SHOM and other VHOs from countries in the Mediterranean area, in regard to IBCM. The wish was expressed that VHOs' digital bathymetric data would soon reach the Chief Editor, as envisaged, and that these data can be processed at the HDNO so as to have IBCM-II available by 2002.

The EB also accepted the General Guidlines developed by CGOM and already agreed to by the IHO MBSHC. It was further noted that the density of the bathymetric data provided by the VHOs may be compatible with a grid size closer to 0.5' than 0.1', and this was considered acceptable.

6. COPYRIGHT, ADVERTIZING AND SALE OF IBCM PRODUCT

1. ADVERTIZING, SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF IBCM

6.1.1 K. Shimkus proposed that an international symposium be organized about bathymetry, geology and sedimentology of the Mediterranean and Black Seas, highlighting the published series of the IBCM maps (1:1M scale), and the recent results of detailed scientific studies and syntheses.

The Symposium is to be accompanied by publication of the following special issues:

• Scientific reports of the Symposium;
• Maps accompanying detailed studies

Special publications on the IBCM maps as well as results of detailed studies should be included into the Symposium's agenda.

These publications should be provided by responsible authors and by other well-known specialists in the respective subject areas.

The Symposium could be organized within the framework of the next CIESM's Congress or as a separate geological-geophysical symposium.

The proposal was accepted by the EB, and it was agreed that a recommendation to the IOC would be made accordingly.

6.1.2 It was reported that the existing system for distributing IBCM products was not working satisfactorily, where HDNO in Russia supplies IBCM stocks to D. Scott in UK, who in turn distributes these maps to individuals or institutions on receipt of orders. With a view to making the distribution system more efficient, the Chief Editor proposed two alternative options (see Annex IV). The EB approved the second option, namely, that orders received by D. Scott be communicated to HDNO for implementation and invoicing.

6.2 IMAGING OF BATHYMETRY AND TOPOGRAPHY

T. Holcombe proposed further investigation of the possibility of using IBCM bathymetry in publication of images for the Mediterranean region, for broad distribution as an IBCM product. The EB encouraged this endeavor with thanks.

It was noted that, thanks to common effort of IOC and the EB, the number of requests for maps has increased five-fold in the last few years.

7. OTHER MATTERS

7.1 SEDIMENTOLOGICAL MAPS OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

E. Emelyanov informed the EB that exist printed and draft hand-made sedimentological maps of the Atlantic Ocean. T. Holcombe and E. Emelyanov think that there is great value to begin the digitizing of some of these maps.

The EB encouraged them to investigate the possibility of preparing a proposal concerning this work for the next IBCM-EB session. The proposal was accepted.

7.2 GEOLOGICAL-GEOPHYSICAL ATLAS OF THE BLACK AND AZOV SEAS

P. Kuprin informed the EB that the Initiative Group of Geophysicists and Geologists of M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, P. P. Shirshov Institute for Oceanology (Russian Academy of Sciences), the geophysical survey company "Yuzhmorgeo", and other organizations, are asking IBCM-EB to make a positive recommendation for compilation and publication of a Geological-Geophysical Atlas of the Black and Azov Seas region, with financial support provided by IOC (Annex V).

This proposal was carefully considered by the EB and D. Travin was invited to investigate the possibility of this financial support.

P. Kuprin also informed the EB on the initiative of Dr. A. Limonov of Moscow State University regarding the construction of an "International Map of Neogene & Quaternary Tectonics of the Mediterranean" (see Annex VI).

7.3 BALTIC SEA MAPPING

E. Emelyanov informed the EB that the scientists of the Baltic States are investigating the Baltic Sea very actively. He demonstrated some printed and draft hand-made and digitized bathymetric, geological and sedimentological maps. The international bathymetric and sediment maps in the scale 1:500,000 for the Central Baltic were printed in Sweden and Lithuania under the leadership of Prof. A. Grigelis (Lithuania). The legend of this sediment map is very simple but not unified for all the Baltic.

The EB advised that E. Emelyanov draft a proposal to IOC, with a view to establishing a new IBC project for the Baltic Sea, similar to the IBCM and its geological-geophysical series.

The EB further recommended that scientists from the states bordering the Baltic Sea discuss this issue and send their proposals to their national Commissions for UNESCO.

7.4 LITHOFACIAL MAPS FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN AND BLACK SEAS

As one of the fields of IBCM project development for the future, K. Shimkus suggested to compile some lithofacial maps for the Mediterranean and Black Seas, using data obtained by sediment coring and deep sea drilling, as well as data of seismofacial interpretation of seismoprofiles.

The maps can be constructed for the following stratigraphic stages:

• Mediterranean Sea: Quaternary, Pliocene, Upper Miocene (Messinian) and Middle Miocene.
• Black Sea: Quaternary, Pliocene, Upper-Middle Miocene and Upper Oligocene - Lower Miocene.

Lithofacial maps and maps of rates of sedimentation based on sediment coring for some stages of Holocene and Würm, are to be additionally compiled for both basins.

The proposals should be discussed and finalised during the International Symposium devoted to IBCM series (see 6.1.1).

7.5 USE OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES ON IBCM PRODUCTS

During the discussion concerning the future edition of the IBCM, G. Papaioannou stated that the compilers of the charts should pay special attention to the names used on the charts. More specifically, he noted that, except for the Undersea Feature Names, for the adoption of which the GEBCO Sub-Committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN) has the responsibility, a lot of other geographical names are portrayed regarding countries, cities, seas, gulfs etc. In many cases these names are not accepted for several reasons such as political disputes or incorrect transcription from non-roman to roman alphabet. For these reasons it is necessary to follow the decisions and recommendations of the UN Conferences on the Standardization of Geographical Names and make use of the adopted names, and transliteration tables.

M. Huet, as secretary of SCUFN, supported the above proposal, inviting participants to contact G. Papaioannou for more information on this topic.

8. DATE AND PLACE OF NEXT SESSION

Following J. Hall's invitation, the next session of IBCM-EB has been planed in Israel (Aqaba), in May or September of the year 2000. In the event that the Aqaba site for the meeting is not practicable, M. Huet proposed that the IHB in Monaco be considered as an alternative location for the meeting.

9. ADOPTION OF THE DRAFT SUMMARY REPORT

The draft summary report was read out by the chairman and was accepted at 15:30 on 4 September 1999.

10. CLOSURE

Before closing the session the chairman acknowledged with gratitude, on behalf of the EB, the IOC for having supported the IBCM program; and the HDNO and Chief Editor for the printing of the maps. He also drew attention to the list of actions in Annex VII that will have to be undertaken as soon as feasible.

A special thanks was given to the EB Members, with appreciation for their high level scientific contributions; to Prof. E. Emelyanov, who so efficiently organised the meeting; and to the Director of the World Ocean Museum and his staff, for their hospitality.

ANNEX I

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

ANNEX VII

LIST OF ACTIONS

ANNEX VIII

LIST OF ACRONYMS

ABIORAS Atlantic Branch of Institute of Oceanology Russian Academy of Sciences

CGOM Consultative Group on Ocean Mapping (IOC)

CIESM Commission internationale pour l'exploration scientifique de la mer Méditerranée

EB Editorial Board

GDA GEBCO Digital Atlas

GEBCO General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans

HDNO Head Department of Navigation and Oceanography (Russia)

HNHS Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service (Greece)

IBCM International Bathymetric Chart of the Mediterranean and its Geological/Geophysical Series (IOC)

IFREMER Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer (France)

IHB International Hydrographic Bureau (IHO)

IHO International Hydrographic Organization

IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO)

MBSHC Mediterranean & Black Seas Hydrographic Commission (IHO)

MSU Moscow State University

NGDC National Geophysical Data Center (USA)

OGS Osservatorio Geofisico Sperimentale (Italy)

SBIORAS Southern Branch of Institute of Oceanology Russian Academy of Sciences

SCUFN Sub-Committee on Undersea Feature Names (GEBCO)

SHOM Service hydrographique et océanographique de la marine (France)

VHO Volunteering Hydrographic Service (IHO)