Interim standard for undersea feature names - NZGBS60000
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Interim standard for
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NZGBS60000
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DTABLE OF CONTENTS TERMS AND DEFINITIONS............................................................................................. 3 FOREWORD ....................................................................................................................... 4 1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 6 2 INTENDED USE OF INTERIM STANDARD......................................................... 6 3 GENERAL CRITERIA FOR UNDERSEA FEATURE NAMES............................. 7 4 PRINCIPLES FOR NAMING UNDERSEA FEATURES........................................ 8 4.1 Specific terms ............................................................................................................. 8 4.2 Generic Terms .......................................................................................................... 10 5 PROCEDURES FOR NAMING UNDERSEA FEATURES .................................. 11 APPENDIX A: APPROVED GENERIC TERMS........................................................... 12
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:
Term/Abbreviation Definition
continental shelf as defined in s 2(1) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964
exclusive economic zone as defined in s 9 of the Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive
Economic Zone Act 1977
GEBCO SCUFN General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans, Subcommittee on Undersea
Feature Names
GNSS global navigation satellite system
NZGB New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa
NZGBA New Zealand Geographic Board (Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa) Act
2008
official geographic name as defined in s 4 of the NZGBA
recorded name as defined in s 4 of the NZGBA
Ross Dependency as defined in s 7(1) of the Antarctica (Environmental Protection) Act
1994
territorial sea as defined in s 3 of the Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive
Economic Zone Act 1977
UNCLOS the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982
undersea feature a part of the ocean floor or seabed that has measurable relief or is
delimited by relief; as defined in s 4 of the NZGBA
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 3
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © CopyrightFOREWORD
Introduction
The New Zealand Geographic Board (Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa) Act 2008 (NZGBA) extended
the jurisdiction of the New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa (NZGB) to
assign, approve, alter or discontinue official geographic names to undersea features within the
continental shelves of New Zealand and the Ross Dependency.
The principal functions of the NZGB are to assign, approve, alter, or discontinue official geographic
names of natural features, railway stations, places, undersea features, and Crown protected areas
within New Zealand and the Ross Dependency of Antarctica and their continental shelves.
Many of the undersea features considered by the NZGB are located outside New Zealand’s
territorial sea and so are subject to international agreements and review, in particular by the United
Nations and the International Hydrographic Organization. The decisions of the NZGB in relation to
undersea features are reviewed by the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans, Subcommittee on
Undersea Feature Names (GEBCO SCUFN) before they are accepted for general international
usage, in particular for safety of navigation. The criteria defined in this interim standard are closely
aligned to the GEBCO SCUFN criteria to ensure the names of undersea features are consistent
internationally.
Purpose of interim standard
This interim standard specifies the criteria that the NZGB must use to assess proposals for undersea
feature names.
Brief history of interim standard
This interim standard largely adopts the International Hydrographic Organization Guidelines for the
Standardization of Undersea Feature Names, with minor amendments to suit New Zealand
requirements.
References
The following documents are necessary for the application of this interim standard:
• International Hydrographic Organization 2001, Standardization of Undersea Feature Names,
Bathymetric Publication B-6, 3rd edition, International Hydrographic Bureau, Monaco
• New Zealand Geographic Board (Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa) Act 2008
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 4
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © CopyrightFeedback on the interim standard
When developing a new standard for undersea feature names, the NZGB will take into account any
feedback from users of this interim standard.
Comments are invited, preferably in electronic format, on the technical content, wording, and
general arrangement of this interim standard.
(a) Electronic comments should be sent by email to regulatorysubmissions@linz.govt.nz or on a
disc. Other formats – comments should preferably be typewritten. Please do not return a
marked-up document in place of comments.
(b) Please provide your name and organisation (if applicable). Please place relevant clause
numbers beside each comment.
(c) Please provide supporting reasons and suggested wording for each comment. Where you
consider that specific content is too simplistic, too complex, or too detailed, provide an
alternative.
(d) All comments received will be put before the relevant drafting committee.
The NZGB is required to undertake its functions with a high degree of transparency. Accordingly,
please be aware that any information provided to the NZGB may be discussed with or provided to
other parties. Please identify any information that you wish to remain confidential and provide
reasons for this. You should also be aware that the NZGB is subject to the Official Information
Act 1982.
The Secretary
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa
c/- Land Information New Zealand
160 Lambton Quay
Private Box 5501
Wellington 6145
NEW ZEALAND
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 5
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © Copyright1 SCOPE
(a) This interim standard specifies the criteria that the NZGB will take into account
when considering whether to assign, approve, alter, or discontinue an official
geographic name of an undersea feature in accordance with the NZGBA.
(b) This interim standard defines the rules of nomenclature for undersea feature names
within the continental shelves of New Zealand and Ross Dependency of Antarctica.
(c) In this interim standard, names will normally be assigned to undersea features
located between the line of lowest astronomic tide and
(i) the 200 nautical mile limit of the exclusive economic zone or
(ii) the seaward extent of the continental shelf where it extends beyond this
distance.
2 INTENDED USE OF INTERIM STANDARD
This interim standard must be used by the NZGB when considering proposals to:
(a) assign, alter, or discontinue official undersea feature names, and
(b) approve or discontinue the use of recorded names as official undersea feature names.
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 6
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © Copyright3 GENERAL CRITERIA FOR UNDERSEA FEATURE NAMES
The NZGB must take into account the following rules of nomenclature when considering
proposals to assign, approve, alter, or discontinue official names for undersea features.
These criteria will ensure that official undersea feature names are consistent and conform
to international standards.
(a) International concern for naming undersea features is limited to those features more
than 50% outside the territorial sea in agreement with the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The NZGB may assign names to undersea
features within the territorial sea of New Zealand without international consultation.
(b) Names used for many years may be accepted even though they do not conform to
normal principles of nomenclature. Existing names may be altered to avoid
confusion, remove ambiguity, or to correct spelling.
(c) Names approved by other national names authorities in waters beyond the territorial
sea should be accepted if the names have been applied in conformance with
internationally accepted principles. Names applied within the territorial sea of a state
should be recognised by other states.
(d) Where two names have been applied to the same feature, the older name generally
should be accepted. The use of dual names may also be appropriate.
(e) Where a single name has been applied to two different features, generally the feature
named first should retain that name.
(f) Non-romanised names should be transliterated according to a system approved by the
NZGB. When diacritical marks or special characters are used by the proposing
individual or body, these will be incorporated into the official name.
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 7
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © Copyright4 PRINCIPLES FOR NAMING UNDERSEA FEATURES
4.1 Specific terms
The NZGB must apply the following principles when considering proposals to assign,
approve, alter, or discontinue official names for undersea features.
(a) Short and simple terms (or names) are preferable.
(b) The principal concern in naming is to provide effective, conveniently usable, and
appropriate reference; commemoration of persons or ships is a secondary
consideration.
(c) The first choice of a specific term, where feasible, should be one associated with a
geographical feature. Examples include Aleutian Ridge, Aleutian Trench, Peru-Chile
Trench, and Barrow Canyon.
(d) Specific terms may be used to commemorate ships or other vehicles, expeditions, or
scientific agencies involved in the discovery and/or delineation of the feature, or to
honour the memory of significant persons. Where a ship name is used, it should be
that of the discovering ship, or if that has been previously used for a similar feature,
the name of the ship verifying the feature. Examples include San Pablo Seamount,
and Atlantis II Seamounts.
(e) Names of living persons will normally not be accepted.
(f) In the rare cases where the names of living persons are accepted, surnames are
preferable. These cases will be limited to those persons who have made an
outstanding or fundamental contribution to ocean sciences.
(g) Groups of like features may be named collectively for specific categories or themes.
Examples of categories or themes include historical persons, mythical features, stars,
constellations, fish, birds, and animals. Examples. of groups of like features named
collectively include the following:
Group Features
Musicians Seamounts Bach Seamount
Brahms Seamount
Schubert Seamount
Electricians Seamounts Volta Seamount
Ampere Seamount
Galvani Seamount
Ursa Minor Ridge and Trough Province Suhail Ridge
Kochab Ridge
Polaris Trough
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 8
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © Copyright(h) Descriptive names are acceptable, particularly when they refer to distinguishing
characteristics. Examples include Hook Ridge and Horseshoe Seamount. Caution
must be exercised unless a characteristic shape has been established by definitive
topographic exploration.
(i) Names of well-known or large features that are applied to other features should have
the same spelling.
(j) Appropriate English or M ori specific terms are acceptable. Specific terms from
other languages will also be considered. The specific elements of the undersea
feature’s name should not be translated from the language of the nation providing the
accepted name.
(k) The use of acronyms or abbreviations in undersea feature names is discouraged, but
may be considered if the suggested name is otherwise deemed appropriate.
(l) Names generally not acceptable include those that are:
(i) applied to similar features elsewhere,
(ii) full names or unwieldy titles of individuals, institutions, or organisations,
(iii) commercial products or their manufacturers,
(iv) friends or relations of the proponent,
(v) of the individual proponent,
(vi) derogatory, offensive or in poor taste,
(vii) of persons occupying high offices who have not contributed directly and
significantly to the knowledge of the oceans or undersea geomorphology,
(viii) directional, qualifying or indistinct terminology (eg west, north, high, low,
upper, lower, new, old),
(ix) misspelt,
(x) of the possessive form, or
(xi) include an apostrophe or hyphen.
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 9
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © Copyright4.2 Generic Terms
The NZGB must apply the following principles when considering proposals to assign,
approve, alter, or discontinue official names for undersea features.
(a) Generic terms should be selected from the list of definitions in Appendix A to reflect
physiographic descriptions of features.
(b) Existing names that use incorrect generic terms should be altered.
(c) Generic terms applied to features appearing on charts or other products should be in
English. In cases where an undersea feature name contains a foreign generic term
that has achieved international currency, the foreign form should be retained.
(d) As mapping of the ocean seafloor continues, features will be discovered for which
existing terminology (as defined in Appendix A) is not adequate. New terms
required to describe those features should conform to this interim standard and to
standards published by GEBCO-SCUFN.
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 10
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © Copyright5 PROCEDURES FOR NAMING UNDERSEA FEATURES
The following procedures must be adhered to when making and considering proposals to
assign, approve, alter, or discontinue official names for undersea features.
(a) Individuals and agencies applying names to unnamed features in international waters
should adhere to internationally accepted principles and procedures.
(b) Proposals must be submitted on the “Undersea Feature Name Proposal” form
available on the NZGB website.
(c) Prior to the naming of an undersea feature, its character, extent, and position must
have been established sufficiently for identification. Positions should be given in
terms of geographic coordinates, ideally determined by GNSS.
(d) Care must be taken to ascertain that undersea features are unique, and not simply
previously named undersea features for which incorrect geographic positions have
been recorded. If modern navigation techniques more accurately determine the
position of a previously approved undersea feature, the record of the official name
should reflect the new position as the most accurate site.
(e) If the NZGB has reason to alter the name of an undersea feature it approved
originally, information explaining the change should be circulated to other concerned
authorities. If there is opposition to a name change, the involved authorities
(including the NZGB) should communicate with each other to agree on a solution.
(f) It is recognised that some national, international, and unofficial or ad hoc naming
authorities do not regularly meet or routinely inform the NZGB of their undersea
feature discoveries and/or naming. Efforts should be made to identify and
correspond with these authorities to inform them of NZGB decisions.
(g) Newly discovered and proposed undersea feature names identified by individuals,
institutions or agencies, which fall outside of the New Zealand territorial limits but
within or partly within the established continental shelf claims by other nations under
UNCLOS, should be identified and referred to naming authorities in those nations
and GEBCO-SCUFN. This procedure in no way acknowledges national or
international claims by any nations under UNCLOS, or accepts international
boundaries set under that Convention, but will be in force as a courtesy to other
toponymic bodies.
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 11
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © CopyrightAppendix A: Approved generic terms
The following table lists the approved generic terms for undersea feature names. Italicised terms in
the definitions are themselves defined elsewhere in the list.
Generic Term Definition
Abyssal Hill(s) an isolated (or tract of) small elevation(s) on the deep seafloor
Abyssal Plain an extensive, flat, gently sloping, or nearly level region at abyssal
depths
Apron a gently dipping surface, underlain primarily by sediment, at the base
of any steeper slope
Archipelagic Apron a gentle slope with a generally smooth surface of the sea floor,
characteristically found around groups of islands or seamounts
Bank(s) an isolated (or group of) elevation(s) of the sea floor, over which the
depth of water is relatively shallow, but sufficient for safe surface
navigation
Basin a depression, in the sea floor, more or less equidimensional in plan and
of variable extent
Bench a small terrace
Borderland a region adjacent to a continent, normally occupied by or bordering a
shelf and sometimes emerging as islands, that is irregular or blocky in
plan or profile, with depths well in excess of those typical of a shelf
Caldera a collapsed or partially-collapsed seamount, commonly of annular
shape
Canyon(s) an isolated (or group of) relatively narrow, deep depression(s) with
steep sides, the bottom of which generally deepens continuously,
developed characteristically on some continental slopes
Cone see fan
Continental Margin the zone, generally consisting of shelf, slope and continental rise,
separating the continent from the deep sea floor or abyssal plain.
Occasionally a trench may be present in place of a continental rise
Continental Rise a gentle slope rising from the oceanic depths towards the foot of a
continental slope
Continental Shelf see shelf
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 12
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © CopyrightGeneric Term Definition
Cordillera an entire mountain system including the subordinate ranges, interior
plateaus, and basins
Deep(s) an isolated (or group of) localised deep area(s) within the confines of a
larger feature, such as a trough, basin or trench
Escarpment an elongated, characteristically linear, steep slope separating
horizontal or gently sloping sectors of the sea floor in non-shelf areas.
Also abbreviated to scarp
Fan a relatively smooth, fan-like, depositional feature normally sloping
away from the outer termination of a canyon or canyon system. Also
called a cone
Flat a small level or nearly level area
Fork(s) a branch(es) of a canyon(s) or valley(s)
Fracture Zone an extensive linear zone of irregular topography, mountainous or
faulted, characterised by steep-sided or assymetrical ridges, clefts,
troughs or escarpments
Furrow a closed, linear, narrow, shallow depression
Gap see passage
Gully a small valley-like feature
Guyot(s) an isolated (or group of) seamount(s) having a comparatively smooth
flat top. Also called tablemount(s). See also seamount(s)
Hill(s) an isolated (or group of) elevation(s), smaller than a seamount. See
also abyssal hill(s) and knoll(s)
Hole a small local depression, often steep sided, in the sea floor
Knoll(s) an elevation somewhat smaller than a seamount and of rounded
profile, characteristically isolated or as a cluster on the sea floor. See
also hill(s)
Ledge a rocky projection or outcrop, commonly linear and near shore
Levee a depositional natural embankment bordering a canyon, valley or
seachannel on the ocean floor
Median Valley the axial depression of the mid-oceanic ridge system
Mid-Oceanic Ridge see ridge (c) and rise (b)
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 13
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © CopyrightGeneric Term Definition
Mesa an isolated, extensive, flat-topped elevation on the shelf, with
relatively steep sides
Moat an annular depression that may not be continuous located at the base
of many seamounts, oceanic islands and other isolated elevations
Mound a low, isolated, rounded hill
Mountain(s) a well-defined subdivision(s) of a large and complex positive
feature(s)
Passage a narrow break in a ridge or a rise. Also called gap
Peak(s) an isolated (or group of) prominent elevation(s) either pointed or of a
very limited extent across the summit
Pinnacles(s) a discrete (or group of) high tower or spire-shaped pillar(s) of rock, or
coral, isolated or cresting a summit
Plain a flat, gently sloping or nearly level region
Plateau a flat or nearly flat elevation of considerable areal extent, dropping off
abruptly on one or more sides
Platform a flat or gently sloping underwater surface extending seaward from
shore
Promontory a major spur-like protrusion of the continental slope extending to the
deep seafloor. Characteristically, the crest deepens seaward
Province a region identifiable by a number of shared physiographic
characteristics that are markedly in contrast with those in the
surrounding areas
Ramp a gentle slope connecting areas of different elevations
Range a series of associated ridges or seamounts
Ravine a small canyon
Reef(s) a mass (or group) or rock(s) or other indurated material lying at or
near the sea surface that may constitute a hazard to surface navigation
Ridge(s) (a) an isolated (or group of) elongated narrow elevation(s) of
varying complexity having steep sides
(b) an isolated (or group of) elongated narrow elevation(s), often
separating ocean basins
(c) the linked major mid-oceanic mountain systems of global extent.
Also called mid-oceanic ridge
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 14
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © CopyrightGeneric Term Definition
Rise (a) a broad elevation that rises gently and smoothly from the sea
floor
(b) the linked major mid-oceanic mountain systems of global extent.
Also called mid-oceanic ridge
Saddle a broad pass or col, resembling in shape a riding saddle, in a ridge or
between contiguous elevations
Scarp see escarpment
Sea Valley(s) see valley(s)
Seachannel(s) a continuously sloping elongated discrete (or group of) depression(s)
found in fans or abyssal plains and customarily bordered by levees on
one or both sides
Seamount(s) a discrete (or group of) large isolated elevation(s), greater than 1,000m
in relief above the sea floor, characteristically of conical form. See
also guyot
Seamount Chain a linear or arcuate alignment of discrete seamounts, with their bases
clearly separated. See also seamount(s)
Shelf a zone adjacent to a continent (or around an island) and extending
from the low water line to a depth at which there is usually a marked
increase of slope towards oceanic depths
Shelf-Break see shelf-edge
Shelf-Edge the line along which there is a marked increase of slope at the seaward
margin of a continental (or island) shelf. Also called shelf break
Shelf-Valley a valley on the shelf, generally the shoreward extension of a canyon
Shoal(s) an isolated (or group of) offshore hazard(s) to surface navigation with
substantially less clearance than the surrounding area and composed of
unconsolidated material
Sill a sea floor barrier of relatively shallow depth restricting water
movement between basins
Slope the deepening sea floor out from the shelf-edge to the upper limit of
the continental rise, or to the point where there is a general decrease in
steepness
Spur a subordinate elevation or ridge protruding from a larger feature, such
as a plateau or island foundation
Submarine Valley(s) see valley(s)
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 15
Effective date: 13 March 2009
New Zealand Geographic Board Ng Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa © CopyrightGeneric Term Definition
Tablemount(s) see guyot(s)
Terrace(s) an isolated (or group of) relatively flat horizontal or gently inclined
surface(s), sometimes long and narrow, which is(are) bounded by a
steeper descending slope on the opposite side.
Tongue an elongate (tongue-like) extension of a flat sea floor into an adjacent
higher feature
Trench a long narrow, characteristically very deep and asymmetrical
depression of the sea floor, with relatively steep sides
Trough a long depression of the sea floor characteristically flat bottomed and
steep sided and normally shallower than a trench
Valley(s) an isolated (or group of) relatively shallow, wide depression(s), the
bottom of which usually has a continuous gradient. This term is
generally not used for features that have canyon-like characteristics for
a significant portion of their extent. Also called submarine valley(s)
or sea valley(s)
Interim standard for undersea feature names: NZGBS60000 16
Effective date: 13 March 2009
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