The article outlines the main approaches to studying the bottom topography of Lake Baikal and interpretation of bathymetric data. Measurement equipment and experimental data processing algorithms are described. A measuring complex is based on using the Kongsberg EM710S multibeam echosounder which allows one to take a detailed digital elevation model of the bottom. The paper demonstrates experimental results obtained during a series of expeditions to the Baikal in 2015 – 2019. Currently an area of about 12117 km2 (∼38%) of Lake Baikal bottom has been explored. Examples of a digital model of the Baikal bottom are also presented. The paper demonstrates 3D models of detected water columns showing intense of a gas bubbles emanation near the mouth of Selenga river, acoustic images of the Baikal Gigaton Volume Detector (Baikal-GVD), and a bathymetric map of Academician Ridge that was previously examined with the Mir 1 and Mir 2 in July 2009.
The paper discusses the use of catamaran-type ultra-small unmanned vessels for studying lakes, rivers and different offshore areas. The key features of a surface vessel designed in Irkutsk Technical University are presented. The article describes major systems of the vessel and concepts of autonomous functioning and remote control. The apparatus can fulfil automatically mapping, searching of sunken objects, hydroacoustic scanning of bottom relief and underwater video recording without the use of additional boats. It is capable to inspect 100 linear kilometers (∼15 km2) of the water area per one day. The use of solar panels and Li-ion batteries charged during a single sunny day allows it to work for several days without use of any external sources of energy for recharging. All systems have been checked and debugged in the laboratory and the designed vessel was tested in Irkutsk reservoir. The field testing showed that the error of coordinates determining was within 2 meters. The planned and actual routes almost coincided with an accuracy better than 3 meters.
The article demonstrates a super high frequency (SHF) radiometer that can be used for detecting seats of forest fires. The analysis of current approaches and methods for forest fire monitoring is briefly discussed. Comparing to common use of optical or infrared radiation detectors, measuring instruments working at microwave range are more efficient in conditions of insufficient visibility (dense smoke, thick tree crowns, meteorological environment). The paper shows the structure and technical characteristics of the designed radiometer. The results of laboratory and field testing are also presented.
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