Ancient Structures Research Articles

A Review on Deep Learning Application for Detection of Archaeological Structures

Over the last few years, archaeologist have started to look at automated object detection for searching of potential historical sites, using object identification methods that includes neural network-based and non-neural network-based approaches. However, there is a scarcity of reviews on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) based Deep Learning (DL) models for object detection in the archaeological field. The purpose of this review is to examine existing research that has been implemented in the area of ancient structures object detection using Convolutional Neural Networks. Notably, CNN based object detection has the difficulty to draw a boundary box around the object and was implemented mainly for object classification. Various algorithms such as, the Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) and Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (MR-CNN) was developed to solve this problem, yielding a more accurate, time-efficient, and bias-free deep learning model. This paper intends to provide a technical reference highlighting articles from Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore databases pertaining to the usage of Convolutional Neural Network based techniques to detect structures and objects in the archaeological field.

Low-grade RC beams strengthened with TRM composite based on basalt, carbon and steel textiles: Experimental and analytical study

This study develops an easy-to-conduct numerical calculation method to assess the effect of Textile Reinforced Mortar when used as externally bonded flexural strengthening technique in low-grade reinforced concrete beams from ancient structures (aged between 60 and 100 years old). Using materials main mechanical characteristics and the beams dimensions as inputs, the model defines the behaviour of the strengthened elements. This paper includes the experimental characterization of the whole strengthening solution, from the constituent materials and the composite in pure tensile to scaled beams strengthened in flexure. In total three different materials – basalt, carbon and steel cords – are used as Textile Reinforced Mortar inner reinforcement. Tests are carried out on sixteen low-grade reinforced concrete beams that reproduce low-quality concretes with a compression strength below 17 MPa and, in general, poor mechanical properties, as those present in old and decayed structures. This experimental campaign includes the study of two other particular features of the adopted retrofitting technique: the strengthening ratio and the use of an anchorage system.The obtained experimental findings are assessed and satisfactorily compared with the developed numerical approach, leading us to conclude that Textile Reinforced Mortar is an effective solution for retrofitting structures made of low-grade reinforced concretes in terms of increasing their deformation and load-bearing capacity under flexural loads (the maximum bending moment has increased between 30% and 200%). Besides, the failure mechanism due to undesired premature detachment was effectively countered using U-shaped anchors, failing the strengthened beams due to the composite tensile failure.

Geophysical survey in archaeological context: A review from Cyprus

AbstractCyprus, the third largest Mediterranean island, is located at an exceptional crossroad in the eastern Mediterranean, where cultures from the Middle East, Africa and Europe have interacted for more than 10 000 years. The aim of this paper is to present an exhaustive review of the past archaeological geophysical surveys on the island. The result of our research indicates that to date, more than 30 archaeological sites spanning from the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic (ca. 10 000 BC) to the Venetian period (up to 1571 AD) have been investigated through noninvasive ground‐based techniques. The investigations concern the mapping of the extent of ancient occupation (settlements and cemeteries), the study of the internal organization of settlements (domestic architecture, palaces and fortifications), the investigation of funerary structures (tombs) and the use of space within buildings. The methods implemented are multiple and often used in combination. Emphasis has been given to ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction (EMI) and magnetic and electrical resistance techniques. Most surveys have been targeted towards the production of maps representing the spatial distribution of the subsurface architectural residues, and sometimes these have been accompanied by soundings, tomographies, as well as 3D reconstructions of the ancient structures. Very few sites have been subjected to the measurements of the chemical or magnetic properties of the soils in relation to the results of geophysical prospection. Further discussion concerns (i) the targets of the archaeo‐geophysical surveys in Cyprus, (ii) the limitations of the application of the specific techniques in relation to the Cypriot archaeological and geological context, (iii) the geophysical signatures of archaeological remains and (iv) the metadata accompanying the geophysical results.

Characterization of Tenth century seenakesavaperumal temple building materials

This paper presents the analytical characterization study on 10tofcentury seenakesavaperumal temple, Yelagiri, Tamilnadu. The samples from the temple were extracted from walls from, the inner sanctum, brick masonry mortar, and cement mortar at the specific spots on avoiding structural damages under the Hindu religious and charitable endowment governance, Tamilnadu, temple authorities, and conservators. From the external visual observation and present state, the ancient structure has prone been to a few degrees of inclination from its original state due to weakened soil structure interaction and catastrophic environmental conditions for more than centuries. The analytical method, such as X-Ray diffraction, was used to investigate the mineralogical interaction and its crystalline growth to establish the computable construction materials. The XRD results on the extracted samples have affirmed the stone samples have better performances with quartz and feldspar at high ranges. Further the brick mortar from the exterior walls revealed the complete transformation of CSH and CAH peaks into carbonate polymorphs. High range portlandite peaks in cement mortar sample affirmed the incomplete transformation of calcite due to the absence of external exposure conditions to the atmosphere. This study also worked as a base for the state archaeology and modern conservators to restore ancient wisdom and national integrity.

Research Results of the International Syrian-Russian Underwater-Archaeological Expedition in the Waters of the Tartous Province in the Season 2020-2021.

In 2020–2021 underwater archaeological research of the Syrian-Russian expedition in the waters of the Tartous province of the Syrian Arab Republic continued. The purpose of the research was the search, survey, fixation and identification of underwater archaeological objects in the water area of Tartous, the islands of Arwad, El Abbas, El Faris, El Phanar and Makrud, the settlement of Kharab Markia. The task is to conduct underwater surveys using modern equipment, survey using a mobile sonar complex of objects identified in the 2019 season. The work was carried out with the involvement of diving teams, as well as a remote-controlled unmanned underwater vehicle “Marlin 350”. Numerous finds (fragments of ceramic and marble vessels, ceramic lids of sarcophagi, basalt shells of a trebuchet metal tool, architectural fragments of basalt) found in the course of work in the water area of Arwad Island are evidence of active trade contacts and the life of the city-state as a transit point for sea trade in different periods of history of this region. Examination of the fragments of fortifications and mooring structures preserved under water in the water area of Arwad Island made it possible to highlight a new direction of the expedition's work: a geographic information system (GIS) was created for the sea area of the Tartous province of the Syrian Arab Republic. Near the settlement of Kharab Markia the remains of an ancient structure were recorded, presumably a fortress tower and a port lighthouse from the Roman period.

Study of the Structure of the Mausoleum of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi of the XII century

As a result of research works, information about the structure and stages of construction of the mausoleum of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi was collected and introduced into the scientific discourse. It is commonly known that the mausoleum was built by order of Emir Timur in the XIV century, however on the basis of materials found during the historical, archaeological, as well as repair work, it was established that in the XII century therealready was a facility consisting of the premises of the Tomb and mosques. Repair works in 1923, archaeological research in 1928, repair work in 1938–1939, as well as architectural and archaeological research in the 1950s and archaeological research in 1997 formed the basis for establishing of certain chronology of the structure and stages of construction of the mausoleum of Akhmet Yassawi. The results of many years of study and analysis by scientists of ancient building materials found on the roof of the mausoleum indicate several stages in the construction of the mausoleum. The article examines scientific research about the necropolis, which was located on the territory of the mausoleum for several centuries, the places and order of burials, as well as the stages of development of the mausoleum and the area around it. Upon the scientific study of the materials of the ancient structure, it was proved that the construction of the Azret Sultan mausoleum dates back not only to the second half of the XIV century. From this point of view, it is concluded that this place, even before the construction of the building by Emir Timur, for centuries was a holy place for pilgrimage and rituals. It has been established that the materials found during scientific research in 1997 refer to an ancient structure. In the XII century, there was a building of that era, over which, two centuries later, by order of Emir Timur, a system of premises for various purposes was built in compliance with the existing structure. The article provides data and conclusions of scientific research of the stage of the formation of the mausoleum, as well as the area of the mausoleum at the site of the ancient structure.

Ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography surveys at the Cerrate Abbey (Lecce, Italy)

The results of the geophysical surveys carried out in 2019 in the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate (Lecce) are presented in this paper. The objective of this study was to achieve a better knowledge of the site, since it was only partially investigated by small archaeological excavation samples. The geophysical measurements were conducted inside and outside the church in order to identify buried ancient structures, using both the georadar and geoelectrical survey methodologies. The results of GPR (ground-penetrating radar), ERT (electrical resistivity tomography) and IP (induced polarisation) were jointly analysed with archaeological data already known and were georeferenced on the general plans of the site in order to obtain an overall view of the anomalies detected by geophysical instrumentation and probably linked to buried ancient structures.

EXPERIENCE OF THE FIRST GEORADAR RESEARCH ON THE TERRITORY OF THE DNU PALACE OF STUDENTS OF THE CENTRAL PARK OF CULTURE NAMED AFTER T.G. SHEVCHENKO IN DNIPRO

Problem statement. Geophysical research at the location of the Palace of Students of DNU (formerPotiomkin Palace) in the Central Park of Culture. T.G. Shevchenko city of Dnipro were held in connection with theissue of the existence of hidden underground structures and confirmation of the historical legend, long existing aroundthis monument of architecture of the XVIII century. In the course of the research, a georadar survey was carried out,which involved a careful analysis of historical sources, which should refute the legend or, conversely, confirm it. Thestudies were performed using MALA georadar with operating frequencies of 250 MHz and, 800 MHz (very limitedly).Purpose of the article. The purpose of the work was to clarify the state of existing utilities, as well as the search forhidden ancient structures in the Central Park of Culture. T.G. Shevchenko in the areas adjacent to the building of the thePalace of Students of DNU. The research was also carried out on Shevchenko Square (formerly called Palace Square)near the central entrance to the park. Conclusion. As a result of the conducted researches of the received georadarprofiles features of display of superficial and deepened building designs, aquifers and other communications on sites ofdry and moistened loess soils of the given territory were revealed. In the areas of possible leaks in moist loam soils, anyobjects, at working depths at a frequency of 250 MHz by the device, were not reflected due to the high degree of signalattenuation. When deciphering the radar patterns on Shevchenko Square, the excavation work carried out for thereconstruction of the area proved to be a significant help. No anomalies indicating the presence of sufficientlyvoluminous linear underground structures were found on the georadar profiles of this area, which is confirmed by theresults of photofixation during excavation. The conducted researches can be considered only primary and providecarrying out of further more detailed researches on the chosen sites, including in the building. As information onpreviously performed georadar surveys on the territory of the Palace of Students of DNU and adjacent to the park −Shevchenko Square could not be found, the conducted Laboratory of research of nuclear and thermal power plants PSACEAsurveys can be considered the first of its kind.

A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Mapping, Automatic Detection and Morphometric Analysis of Ancient Submerged Coastal Installations: The Case Study of the Ancient Aegina Harbour Complex

The documentation of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) is the basis for sustainable maritime development including its protection, preservation, and incorporation in coastal zone management plans. In this study, we present a multidisciplinary, non-intrusive downscale approach for the documentation of UCH implemented on the coastal area of Aegina Island, Greece, where a unique submerged harbour complex is preserved. This approach succeeded in obtaining information that serves both geomorphological and archaeological purposes in a time- and cost-effective way, while obtaining information of centimeters to millimeters scale. The geomorphology of the area was mapped in detail through marine geophysical means while ancient submerged conical rubble structures and breakwaters were documented using automatic seafloor segmentation techniques, revealing previously unknown sites of archaeological interest. The structures’ parameters were extracted from the acoustic data to analyze their morphometry, while photogrammetry was realized using a Remotely Operated Vehicle to expose their micro-structure. The spatial distribution of the structures revealed the construction of a well-planned harbour complex with multiple passages and different possible functionalities. Finally, through the structures’ morphometric analysis (geometry and terrain statistical parameters) their preservation status was revealed, demonstrating the anthropogenic impact on the submerged ancient structures due to the modern harbor activity.

A Late Recompense: The Rediscovered Monumental Octagon at Pergamon

Today large parts of the ancient city of Pergamon lie beneath the current city of Bergama. Thriving on top of the ancient remains, the site consists of numerous historical layers ranging from the Roman period up to today. Thanks to its rich history, the city has been inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO in 2014 with the title “Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape.” In 2013 an octagonal structure was discovered in one of these multi-layered spots where the Roman imperial expansion of the city and the 19thcentury residential settlement meet. Hints in archival documents revealed that this is actually a “rediscovery,” which highlights the importance of archival materials for current research projects in ancient cities like Pergamon that has a fairly long history of research. This article mainly examines the blanks and hints in the research history of the Octagon in three excavation periods. After summarizing the most recent discovery of the ancient structure, it addresses access issues as well as its state of preservation and the research methodology shaped in accordance with current conditions.

Hybridity Culture: The Adaptive Reuse Concept for an Escape Place. Study Case: Gedung Antara, Pasar Baru, Jakarta

The growth of cities has an impact on society. As a result of the population’s increased bustle and activity needs, dwelling space is becoming increasingly limited. The concept of “third place in hybrid and multicultural areas” is explored in this study, which combines adaptive reuse in buildings with the idea of multicultural hybridity. By adapting historic structures into new purposes that meet current needs, we could solve escaping spaces. To put that concept into practice, we must first comprehend the region’s cultural characteristics. The heritage building in Pasar Baru is situated in an area generated by the complex hybridity of Jakarta’s numerous ethnic communities. This area’s hybridity offers an exciting place that can be used as an escape route. This study employs a qualitative research approach that includes in-depth observations in Pasar Baru. We study old buildings that have a hybrid character from the ethnicities prevalent in Pasar Baru. According to the findings, heritage structures undergoing adaptive reuse must be evaluated regularly to account for changes in spatial conditions that occur over time. Adaptive reuse transforms ancient structures into new roles in conservation and uses a cultural context approach in the surrounding area, allowing for more efficient service.

A novel heritage BIM (HBIM) framework development for heritage buildings refurbishment based on an investigative study of microorganisms

PurposeThis study aims to demonstrate the possibility of showing the functionality of complex microbial groups, within ancient structures within a process of refurbishment on a heritage building information modelling (BIM) platform.Design/methodology/approachBoth a qualitative and qualitative research method will be used throughout, as observational and scientific results will be obtained and collated. This path being; phenomena – acquisition tools – storage – analysis tools – literature. Using this methodology, one pilot study within the scope of demolition and refurbishment, using suitable methods of collecting and managing data (structural or otherwise), will be used and generated by various software and applications. The principle methods used for the identification of such micro-organisms will incorporate a polymerase chain reaction method (PCR), to amplify DNA and to identify any or all spores present. The BIM/historical BIM (HBIM) process will be used to create a remotely-based survey to obtain and collate data using a laser scanner to produce a three-dimensional point cloud model to evaluate and deduce the condition, make-up and stature of the monument. A documentation management system will be devised to enable the development of plain language questions and an exchange information requirement, to identify such documentation required to enable safe refurbishment and to give health and safety guidance. Four data sampling extractions will be conducted, two for each site, within the research, for each of the periods being assessed, that being the Norman and Tudor areas of the monument.FindingsFrom laboratory PCR analysis, results show a conclusive presence of micro-organism groups and will be represented within a hierarchical classification, from kingdom to species.Originality/valueThe BIM/HBIM process will highlight results in a graphical form to show data collected, particularly within the PCR application. It will also create standardisation and availability for such data from ancient monuments to make available all data stored, as such analysis becomes substantially important to enable the production of data sets for comparison, from within the framework of this research.

LRRC23 is a conserved component of the radial spoke that is necessary for sperm motility and male fertility in mice.

Cilia and flagella are ancient structures that achieve controlled motor functions through the coordinated interaction based on microtubules and some attached projections. Radial spokes (RSs) facilitate the beating motion of these organelles by mediating signal transduction between dyneins and a central pair (CP) of singlet microtubules. RS complex isolation from Chlamydomonas axonemes enabled the detection of 23 radial spoke proteins (RSP1-RSP23), although the roles of some radial spoke proteins remain unknown. Recently, RSP15 has been reported to be bound to the stalk of RS2, but its homolog in mammals has not been identified. Herein, we show that Lrrc23 is an evolutionarily conserved testis-enriched gene encoding an RSP15 homolog in mice. We found that LRRC23 localizes to the RS complex within murine sperm flagella and interacts with RSPH3A and RSPH3B. The knockout of Lrrc23 resulted in male infertility due to RS disorganization and impaired motility in murine spermatozoa, whereas the ciliary beating was not significantly affected. These data indicate that LRRC23 is a key regulator that underpins the integrity of the RS complex within the flagella of mammalian spermatozoa, whereas it is dispensable in cilia. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Numerical Prediction of the Seismic Behavior of Reassembled Columns in Ancient Structures: An Anastylosis Model for the Temple of Apollo Pythios in Gortyn (Crete)

The Temple of Apollo Pythios in Gortyn (Crete, Greece) dates back to the mid-7th century BC. The temple underwent several transformations and an ultimate destruction over time that resulted in the current remains of a Roman colonnade composed of six fragmented stone columns lying on the ground within the naos. In addition, the region was struck by several earthquakes which contributed to the various changes. The analysis of the fragments composing the column portions and their geometric features provided a possible outline for their standing repositioning. Based on the current seismic hazard of the region, a predictive numerical model of the colonnade in the anastylosis conditions suggested the need for proper connections between the fragments and the bases to ensure their overall conservation as a compound structure. The comparison of various configurations of intervention and the simple superimposition of the fragments also provided details on the accomplishment of minimal and compatible solutions.

Airborne Lidar Survey, Density-Based Clustering, and Ancient Maya Settlement in the Upper Usumacinta River Region of Mexico and Guatemala

We present results from the archaeological analysis of 331 km2 of high-resolution airborne lidar data collected in the Upper Usumacinta River basin of Mexico and Guatemala. Multiple visualizations of the DEM and multi-spectral data from four lidar transects crossing the Classic period (AD 350–900) Maya kingdoms centered on the sites of Piedras Negras, La Mar, and Lacanja Tzeltal permitted the identification of ancient settlement and associated features of agricultural infrastructure. HDBSCAN (hierarchical density-based clustering of applications with noise) cluster analysis was applied to the distribution of ancient structures to define urban, peri-urban, sub-urban, and rural settlement zones. Interpretations of these remotely sensed data are informed by decades of ground-based archaeological survey and excavations, as well as a rich historical record drawn from inscribed stone monuments. Our results demonstrate that these neighboring kingdoms in three adjacent valleys exhibit divergent patterns of structure clustering and low-density urbanism, distributions of agricultural infrastructure, and economic practices during the Classic period. Beyond meeting basic subsistence needs, agricultural production in multiple areas permitted surpluses likely for the purposes of tribute, taxation, and marketing. More broadly, this research highlights the strengths of HDBSCAN to the archaeological study of settlement distributions when compared to more commonly applied methods of density-based cluster analysis.

Study on the causes of secondary cracks of the eave wall mural of Daxiong Hall at Fengguo Temple in Yixian, Liaoning, China

Built in Kaitai 9 years after the beginning of the Liao Dynasty (1020 A.D.), the Daxiong Hall of Fengguo Temple (Yixian County, Liaoning Province) is one of China’s largest existing ancient single-eave wooden architecture structures. In 2012, it was listed on the “Preliminary List of World Cultural Heritage in China.” Preserved Buddhist murals depicting the Yuan Dynasty cover approximately 470 m2 of the hall’s four walls. Since the in-situ reinforcement and protection of the mural, conducted in the 1980s in cooperation with the maintenance and restoration project of the main hall, seriously developed cracks—known as secondary cracks—have become a primary factor affecting the mural’s structural stability. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation using a full-frame digital camera, an industrial endoscope, an infrared thermal imager, an online environmental monitoring system, and a three-dimensional laser scanner. Our results, and other relevant materials, allowed us to deepen our understanding of the existing structural features, the nature of the cracks, the deformation conditions, and the environmental characteristics of the mural. Moreover, we provide a further discussion on the macroscopic formation process of the secondary cracks.

Structural Assessment of Ancient Masonry Structures: An Experimental Investigation on Rubble Stone Masonry

ABSTRACT Non-destructive investigation procedures are appropriate approaches for the qualitative mechanical assessment of heritage masonry structures. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of one of the most common ancient masonry typologies, particularly in Roman archaeological sites, the rubble stone masonry, that is the ancient opus incertum, with an extensive experimental program carried out in the archaeological site of Pompeii. The research focused on archaeological masonry structures with different states of preservation and with or without modern interventions. A non-destructive investigation procedure was carried out including detailed geometrical and material surveys, visual inspections and an extensive program of sonic pulse velocity tests, with a total of 1965 acquired velocities. The paper describes the adopted investigation protocol and detailed analysis and discusses the experimental outcomes. Comparisons with available literature data concerning different masonry typologies at the Pompeii site are also presented. Furthermore, the results of the non-destructive investigation have been compared with available mechanical information from destructive and non-destructive tests performed by the authors on Pompeii-like masonry panels. The unique set of data collected may represent a sound tool for the estimation of the mechanical parameters of the ancient masonry structures, which is a crucial step for the definition of preservation actions.

The menisci are not shock absorbers: A biomechanical and comparative perspective.

The lateral and medial menisci are fibrocartilaginous structures in the knee that play a crucial role in normal knee biomechanics. However, one commonly cited role of the menisci is that they function as "shock absorbers." Here we provide a critique of this notion, drawing upon a review of comparative anatomical and biomechanical data from humans and other tetrapods. We first review those commonly, and often exclusively, cited studies in support of a shock absorption function and show that evidence for a shock absorptive function is dubious. We then review the evolutionary and comparative evidence to show that (1) the human menisci are unremarkable in morphology compared with most other tetrapods, and (2) "shock" during locomotion is uncommon, with humans standing out as one of the only tetrapods that regularly experiences high levels of shock during locomotion. A shock-absorption function does not explain the origin of menisci, nor are human menisci specialized in any way that would explain a unique shock-absorbing function during human gait. Finally, we show that (3) the material properties of menisci are distinctly poorly suited for energy dissipation and that (4) estimations of meniscal energy absorption based on published data are negligible, both in their absolute amount and in comparison to other well-accepted structures which mitigate shock during locomotion. The menisci are evolutionarily ancient structures crucial for joint congruity, load distribution, and stress reduction, among a number of other functions. However, the menisci are not meaningful shock absorbers, neither in tetrapods broadly, nor in humans.

Landscape genetics and the genetic legacy of Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic hunter-gatherers in the modern Caucasus

This study clarifies the role of refugia and landscape permeability in the formation of the current genetic structure of peoples of the Caucasus. We report novel genome-wide data for modern individuals from the Caucasus, and analyze them together with available Paleolithic and Mesolithic individuals from Eurasia and Africa in order (1) to link the current and ancient genetic structures via landscape permeability, and (2) thus to identify movement paths between the ancient refugial populations and the Caucasus. The ancient genetic ancestry is best explained by landscape permeability implying that human movement is impeded by terrain ruggedness, swamps, glaciers and desert. Major refugial source populations for the modern Caucasus are those of the Caucasus, Anatolia, the Balkans and Siberia. In Rugged areas new genetic signatures take a long time to form, but once they do so, they remain for a long time. These areas act as time capsules harboring genetic signatures of ancient source populations and making it possible to help reconstruct human history based on patterns of variation today.

Comparative tectonics of the White Sea paleorift system and other continental rifting systems

Research subject. The Riphean paleorift system of the White Sea, most of which is overlain by the waters of the White and Barents Seas and the platform cover of the East European Platform. This allowed numerous researchers to classify it as an aulacogen. The system was revealed by geophysical methods in the relief of the crystalline basement of the platform in the form of a frame of deep extended trenches of northwestern strike, subparallel to the edge of the East European platform.Materials and methods. Personal observations of the authors within the Onega-Kandalakcha paleorift, Baikal rift zone; a detailed study of seismostratigraphic sections of these zones; extensive literature data on the structure of modern rift zones. A comparative analysis of the structure of the most studied and currently active Baikal and East African rift systems, as well as the Karoo rift system of the Late Paleozoic origin with the paleorift system of the White Sea.Results. The following types of structural parageneses, which are characteristic of both modern rift systems and ancient paleorift systems, were identified. 1. Genetic relationship (inheritance?) of riftogenic structures with more ancient basement structures. 2. Structural paragenesis of concentric complexes in rift propagation zones. 3. Comparability of the area of horizontal extension of the lithosphere of the White Sea paleorift system with extension zones of modern continental rifts. 4. The fundamental similarity of the structure: the complex of paleorifts of the White Sea with modern continental rift systems: the presence of long deep trough segmentation of grabens and semi-grabens separated by bridges, which were accommodation zones with polarity reversal along the strike of the rift zone, displacement of the rift relative to the mantle ledge, the existence of a gently dipping normal fault (detachment), etc.Conclusion. The riftogenic nature of the aulacogens in the northeastern segment of the East European Platform has been confirmed.