By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Russian scientists have claimed 1.2 million km of potentially energy-rich Arctic territory following preliminary research results released here Thursday.
“Preliminary results of an analysis of the Earth’s crust show that the structure of the underwater Lomonosov mountain chain is similar to the world’s other continental shelves, and the ridge is, therefore, part of Russia’s landmass,” the Russian Natural Resources Ministry said.
Russia’s Oceanology research institute had undertaken two Arctic expeditions – to the Mendeleyev underwater chain in 2005 and to the Lomonosov ridge in the summer 2007 – to back the claims to the 460,000-square-mile area believed to contain vast oil and gas reserves and other mineral riches which are likely to become accessible in future due to man-made global warming.
Researchers conducted deepwater seismic probes, aerial and geophysical surveys, and seismic-acoustic probes and the final results will be released in Dec 2007.
In August, Russian researchers also descended 14,000 feet below the North Pole in two mini-subs to take sea-bed samples to bolster their government’s claim to the polar territory.
In 2001, Russia first claimed its right to the territory, but the UN demanded more evidence.
Under international law, the five Arctic Circle countries – the US, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Russia – each have a 322-km economic zone in the Arctic Ocean.