Documentary about prominent geologist Nikolay Golovkinsky premieres at KFU’s Showroom
The film, The Basic Law of the Correlation of Time and Space in Geology, was co-written by Vice-Rector for Earth Sciences Danis Nurgaliev, consulted by Acting Director of the Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies Vladimir Silantyev, and directed by Head of the Student Lab of UNIVER TV Ilshat Khusaenov.
During the premiere, the vice-rector commented, “Unfortunately, many Russian scientists who made genius discoveries are forgotten today. One of them is Nikolay Golovkinsky, an extraordinary, multifaceted, and super-talented man. In his time, he discovered a law not understood by his contemporaries.”
The facies law of the correlation of geological space and time (1869) says that the structure of geological space and time are linked, and the time axis is not always perpendicular to the space axis. It showed that rocks can reflect time in a horizontal extension. This means that a rock layer can be of various ages in its various parts. The law was later clarified by German geologist Johannes Walther.
Vladimir Silantyev added, “The picture shows Golovkinsky as a young man. Interestingly, he took a long time to find himself. He took up geology closer to his thirties. First he wanted to be in medicine, then joined the army, and then returned to the university to become a chemist and worked with Alexander Butlerov, and finally was enamored with geology.”
Researching the Permian system in Kazan Governorate and Vyatka Governorate, Golovkinsky studied the geological structure of rocks and sediments of the Permian red beds. He then worked out a model of sedimentation in shallow sea basins, later called “Golovkinsky’s lentil”. The model contradicted then widespread beliefs in geological science. The facies law formed the basis for sequence stratigraphy.
An annual event, Kazan Golovkinsky Stratigraphic Meeting, is held at our university to commemorate the outstanding scholar. This year, it is scheduled for 22 – 24 September.
Among many visitors who shared their appreciation for the film were students, General Director of TNG Group Yan Sharipov, Director of KFU’s Department of Information Policy Yelena Yelshina, and Associate Professor of the Theory and Methodology of Geographical and Environmental Education Svetlana Khusnutdinova.
