Acoustic investigations of lakes as justification for the optimal location of core sampling

Lacustrine sediments contain a long, high-resolution record of sedimentation processes associated with changes in the environment. Paleomagnetic study of the properties of these sediments provide a detailed trace the changes in the paleoenvironment. However, there are factors such as landslides, earthquakes, the presence of gas in the sediments affecting the disturbing sediment stratification. Seismic profiling allows to investigate in detail the bottom relief and get information about the thickness and structure of the deposits, which makes this method ideally suited for determining the configuration of the lake basin and the overlying lake sediment stratigraphy. Most seismic studies have concentrated on large and deep lakes containing a thick sedimentary sequence, but small and shallow lakes containing a thinner sedimentary column located in key geographic locations and geological settings can also provide a valuable record of Holocene history. Seimic data is crucial when choosing the optimal location of core sampling. Thus, continuous seismic profiling should be used regularly before coring lake sediments for the reconstruction of paleoclimate. We have carried out seismic profiling on lakes Balkhash (Kazakhstan), Yarovoye, Beloe, Aslykul and Chebarkul (Russia). The results of the field work will be presented in the report. The work is performed according to the Russian Government Program of Competitive Growth of Kazan Federal University also by RFBR research projects No. 14-05-31376 -a, 14-05-00785-a.