de N. PANIN*), G. SALOMIE*), V. VARODIN**)
*) Institutul de Geologie si Geofizica, Bucuresti
**) Intreprinderea de prospectiuni geologice si geofizica pentru hidrocarburi,
Bucuresti
BATHYMETRIC RESEARCHES ON THE SHELF OF BLACK SEA
(Abstract)
A historical review of oceanographic researches in the Black Sea pointed
out the main phases of knowledge of its bathymetry and structure.
Four physiographic provinces may be recognized in the Black Sea: shelf, basin
slope, basin apron and abyssal plain (4, 7).
The shelf of the Northwestern part of Black Sea is very large. Two zones are
established: a first zone between 0 and 40 m depth, and the second, from 40
m depth to the shelf margins
(–120 – –130 m).
Small topographic features on the shelf in 30 – 40 m and 50 – 80
m depth intervals may be considered as old littoral bars. At 100 m depth a
10 m step is believed to be a fossil cliff, probably of neoeuxinian age. An
important canyon has been found on the Eastern Margin of the Romanian shelf.