Polovka S. The History of Sea Geological Research in Ukraine

The dissertation is devoted to the problem of sea geology formation and development in Ukraine. It is the first attempt to generalize the history of sea geological research in independent Ukraine as a naval power. The author produced the historical analysis of forming and developing oceans and seas geology. Each stage's key features contributing to further development of seas and oceans geology in Ukraine have been pointed out. The author gives bibliographical information concerning the work of 100 sea geologists considered to be the first. Sea Geology research schools have been paid attention to. The collected database comprises 4 parts. Much attention is given to surface and sub-surface research fleet and to its tactical and technical characteristics. The reasons for its decay are shown and some possible steps for overcoming the crisis situation in Ukrainian sea geology have been suggested. A complex of methods and methodology are presented as well as sea and on-board apparatus used for descent and lift by Ukrainian scientists researching the World Ocean area of water. International, Soviet and Ukrainian legislation has been analyzed as well as its influence on the development of the sea geology in our state. Some possible ways of averting crisis in this science branch are suggested. The analysis of sea geology research with the emphasis on its regress and progress and some conceptual models for development is sure to help in changing the idea of the scientists' achievements in the branch. It is certain to outline some new directions in it, to enrich the world ocean studies database and to help in averting crisis inside and outside the state. Key words: History of Sea Geology, sea and ocean geology, personnel potential, research fleet, research methods and methodology and equipment, database, the World Ocean, Ukraine.