Scientific journal
Scientific Review. Historical sciences

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THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE ACADEMIC EXPEDITIONS OF THE SECOND HALF OF THE 18TH CENTURY TO THE STUDIES OF ICE PHENOMENA IN RUSSIAN RIVERS

Савенкова В.М., Широкова В.А.
The systematic studies of river ice regime in Russia began with setting up a network of gauge stations in the late 19th century. During the earlier period, the studies were mostly conducted within the framework of expeditions. The paper examines the contribution of the participants in the Academy’s expeditions of the second half of the 18th century to the studies of ice phenomena in Russian rivers. Particular attention is given to hazardous phenomena that often accompany breakup and freezing of the rivers, and negatively affect the life of the riverside population, such as ice congestions, ice jams, floods, etc. The authors have summarised and systematised the data of inquiries and materials of observations obtained during the journeys, which provided the basis for future studies of ice phenomena in rivers.