Iqaluit Magnetic Observatory

Metadata from the NOAA Metadata Manager's Repository (NMMR)

• Identification_Information
• Data_Quality_Information
• Entity_and_Attribute_Information
• Distribution_Information
• Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator:Geological Survey of Canadar

Publication_Date:1994

Title:

Iqaluit Magnetic Observatory

Online_Linkage:http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/geomag/index_e.php

Description:

Abstract:

Consideration was given to building a magnetic observatory in Iqaluit in the middle of 1988. However, it was not until August, 1990 that discussions were held with officials from Arctic College, Nunatta Campus, as to establishing an observatory as a joint project. In preparation for the construction, the Municipality of Iqaluit granted in December, 1990, rights to a parcel of land to the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) for recording the variations in the geomagnetic field. Towards the end of March, 1994 a formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the GSC and the Arctic College towards the establishment of a magnetic observatory in Iqaluit. The Understanding committed the GSC to bear the cost of the material and the Arctic College to providing the labor for the construction. The site chosen for the new observatory is on the side of a hill, 1.4 km to the north from the centre of Iqaluit and 400 m to north of the Arctic College. The area has significant exposures of Archaean gneiss. Unfortunately, a preliminary Total Force survey of the site showed that F variations could be as high as 1400 nT over 30 m. This amount of magnetic relief is prevalent in Iqaluit. Apprentice carpenters from the Arctic College completed the construction of an Absolute Building ( 4.8 m by 2.4 m by 2.4 m), the Service Building ( 4.8 m by 3.6 m by 2.4 m) and the various sensor shelters during the summer of 1994. The two buildings and the sensor shelters are scattered over the site in the same fashion as that for other Canadian observatories such as Yellowknife. The Observatory was furnished with an NTERMAGNET compliant CANMOS in October, 1994. However, various instrumental and operational difficulties precluded the routine collection of data until January, 1995. During 1995 it became apparent that problems existed within the data as the difference between the calculated F from the fluxgate and the measured F from the total force magnetometer varied. This was especially noticeable during periods of magnetic disturbances. The problem persisted even though the various magnetometers were replaced during 1995. A re-examination of the earlier F survey showed that the F sensor and the 3-component fluxgate sensor were situated on either side of a substantial F anomaly. It was therefore decided to move the sensors to an area of lower magnetic relief. This was done in August, 1996 and resulted in a substantial reduction in the problem. CANMOS (Canadian Magnetic Observatory System) has been designed by the GSC Geomagnetism Program staff, who have developed the software to control the magnetometers and to process the basic digital data. CANMOS includes: - a commercial tri-axial ringcore fluxgate magnetometer, mounted on a tilt correcting suspension (of GSC design); - an Overhauser Proton Precession Magnetometer; - a bus-clock for timing control; - various storage media; - RS-232 outputs for 1 second, 5 second and 1 minute data streams. During 2005 the municipality established a new subdivision at the location of the original observatory site. The rights to a new parcel of land were granted and funding contributed to the relocation of the observatory. Staff from the GSC magnetically surveyed several locations and settled on a site approximately 500m up the hill from the former observatory. The geology is similar to the former site and the buildings were situated to minimize magnetic differences between the sensor enclosures. Unfortunately, there was no opportunity to continue the operation of the original observatory beyond the beginning of July 2005 as construction of the subdivision infrastructure had already begun. All instrumentation has been kept the same. GSC staff completed the construction of the new sensor enclosures in October 2005. The service building and the absolute building were transported from the previous observatory location. The new enclosures are modular sensor vaults constructed of fiberglass and cement.

Purpose:

To provide ground-based, calibrated values of the Earth's magnetic field at a specific location for scientific research and practical applications.

Supplemental_Information:

Elevation: 100 meters

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date:1994

Ending_Date:Present

Currentness_Reference:

ground condition

Status:

Progress:In work

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency:Irregular

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate:-68.51

East_Bounding_Coordinate:-68.51

North_Bounding_Coordinate:63.76

South_Bounding_Coordinate:63.76

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:NASA/GCMD Earth Science Keywords

Theme_Keyword:Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism

Theme_Keyword:Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Geomagnetic Indices

Theme_Keyword:Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Magnetic Declination

Theme_Keyword:Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Magnetic Field

Theme_Keyword:Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Magnetic Inclination

Theme_Keyword:Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Magnetic Intensity

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:ISO 19115 Topic Category

Theme_Keyword:geoscientificInformation

Theme_Keyword:intelligenceMilitary

Theme_Keyword:utilitiesCommunication

Theme_Keyword:climatologyMeteorologyAtmosphere

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:INTERMAGNET

Theme_Keyword:Magnetic Observatory Definitive Data

Access_Constraints:None

Use_Constraints:

None

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:Geological Survey of Canada

Contact_Person:L. McKee

Contact_Address:

Address_Type:mailing

Address:

7-Observatory Crescent

Address:

City:Ottawa

State_or_Province:Unknown

Postal_Code:K1A 0Y3

Country:Canada

Contact_Voice_Telephone:613-837-9158

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone:613-824-9803

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:Lmckee@NRCan.gc.ca

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

Data from the Iqaluit Magnetic Observatory met the requirements for being an INTERMAGNET Magnetic Observatory (IMO), and as such met the specifications listed in the INTERMAGNET Technical Manual (http://www.intermagnet.org//im_manual.pdf)

Quantitative_Attribute_Accuracy_Assessment:

Attribute_Accuracy_Value:Full field

Attribute_Accuracy_Explanation:

Dynamic Range

Quantitative_Attribute_Accuracy_Assessment:

Attribute_Accuracy_Value:0.025 nT

Attribute_Accuracy_Explanation:

Resolution

Quantitative_Attribute_Accuracy_Assessment:

Attribute_Accuracy_Value:8 Hz reduced by a boxcar filter to 1second data; 1 second data reduced to 5 second data by use of a 9 point Gaussian filter; INTERMAGNET 19 point Gaussian filter for the production of 1 minute data from 5 second data

Attribute_Accuracy_Explanation:

Sampling Rate

Quantitative_Attribute_Accuracy_Assessment:

Attribute_Accuracy_Value:9 point Gaussian and 19 point Gaussian

Attribute_Accuracy_Explanation:

Numeric Filter

Logical_Consistency_Report:

Contact institution

Completeness_Report:

These data represent the complete record set for this station and this time period.

Lineage:

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Contact institute

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

Unknown

Process_Date:Unknown

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label:Magnetometer

Entity_Type_Definition:

A scientific instrument for measuring the strength of magnetic fields.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetometer

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:fluxgate magnetometer

Attribute_Definition:

A kind of magnetometer that detects second harmonic signals from a secondary coil surrounding an iron core that is driven into saturation by a primary coil using radio frequency signals. The second harmonic signal is proportional to the strength of the ambient magnetic field.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

http://www.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/ES304/MODULES/MAG/NOTES/fluxgate.html

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

This is a type of magnetometer instrument used for measuring the Magnetic Field

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:proton precession magnetometer

Attribute_Definition:

A kind of scalar magnetometer that measures only the strength of the total magnetic field vector and not its direction or components. A hydrogen-rich fluid is polarized using a strong electric current. When the current is turned off, the protons in the fluid precess around the ambient magnetic field at a frequency given by the gyromagnetic ratio and proportional to the strength of the surrounding magnetic field.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetometer#Scalar_magnetometers

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

This is a type of magnetometer instrument used for measuring the Magnetic Field

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Overhauser magnetometer

Attribute_Definition:

A type of scalar magnetometer that employs the precession of free unpaired electrons rather than protons in a fluid.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetometer#Scalar_magnetometers

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

This is a type of magnetometer instrument used for measuring the Magnetic Field

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label:Earth's Magnetic Field Components

Entity_Type_Definition:

The Earth's magnetic field is characterized by a direction and intensity which can be determined by various combinations of three of seven possible magnetic field components.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source:

Wienert, K.A., Notes on geomagnetic observatory and survey practice, UNESCO Earth Sciences 5, 1970.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Inclination (I)

Attribute_Definition:

The angle which the line of force at a point of observation makes with the horizontal plane, positive when directed downward

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Wienert, K.A., Notes on geomagnetic observatory and survey practice, UNESCO Earth Sciences 5, 1971

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum:-90.0

Range_Domain_Maximum:90.0

Attribute_Units_of_Measure:Decimal Degrees or Degrees and Decimal Minutes

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Declination (D)

Attribute_Definition:

The angle made by the magnetic meridian and the true north meridian, considered positive east of north and negative west of north

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Wienert, K.A., Notes on geomagnetic observatory and survey practice, UNESCO Earth Sciences 5, 1971

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum:-180.0

Range_Domain_Maximum:180.0

Attribute_Units_of_Measure:Decimal Degrees or Degrees and Decimal Minutes

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Horizontal Intensity (H)

Attribute_Definition:

The projection of the geomagnetic field vector on the horizontal plane, always positive

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Wienert, K.A., Notes on geomagnetic observatory and survey practice, UNESCO Earth Sciences 5, 1971

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum:0

Range_Domain_Maximum:40000.0

Attribute_Units_of_Measure:nanotesla

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Vertical Intensity (Z)

Attribute_Definition:

The projection of the geomagnetic field vector on the vertical plane, positive when directed down

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Wienert, K.A., Notes on geomagnetic observatory and survey practice, UNESCO Earth Sciences 5, 1971

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum:-70000.0

Range_Domain_Maximum:60000.0

Attribute_Units_of_Measure:nanotesla

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Total Intensity (F)

Attribute_Definition:

The scalar magnitude of the geomagnetic field vector, always positive

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Wienert, K.A., Notes on geomagnetic observatory and survey practice, UNESCO Earth Sciences 5, 1971

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum:25000.0

Range_Domain_Maximum:80000.0

Attribute_Units_of_Measure:nanotesla

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:North Component (X)

Attribute_Definition:

The projection of the horizontal component (H) in the true meridian

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Wienert, K.A., Notes on geomagnetic observatory and survey practice, UNESCO Earth Sciences 5, 1971

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum:-10000.0

Range_Domain_Maximum:45000.0

Attribute_Units_of_Measure:nanotesla

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:East Component (Y)

Attribute_Definition:

The projection of the horizontal component on the true east direction, positive when directed eastward

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Wienert, K.A., Notes on geomagnetic observatory and survey practice, UNESCO Earth Sciences 5, 1971

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum:-20000.0

Range_Domain_Maximum:20000.0

Attribute_Units_of_Measure:nanotesla

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label:Geographic Location

Entity_Type_Definition:

A coordinate system that provides a means for expressing every location on the Earth using three coordinates of a spherical coordinate system which is aligned with the spin axis of the Earth.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_location

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Latitude

Attribute_Definition:

Latitude is an angular measurement in degrees that gives the location of a place on the Earth above (toward the North pole) or below (toward the South pole) of the equator.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latitude

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum:-90

Range_Domain_Maximum:+90

Attribute_Units_of_Measure:angular degrees

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Longitude

Attribute_Definition:

Longitude is an angluar measurement in degrees that describes the location of a place on the Earth east or west of a north-south line called the Prime Meridian.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longitude

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum:-180

Range_Domain_Maximum:+180

Attribute_Units_of_Measure:angular degrees

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Elevation

Attribute_Definition:

Elevation is the vertical position of a location relative to some height above the Earth's surface, generally taken as the mean sea level or geoid.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoid

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum:0

Range_Domain_Maximum:unlimited

Attribute_Units_of_Measure:meters

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce

Contact_Person:David Fischman

Contact_Position:Data Manager

Contact_Address:

Address_Type:mailing and physical

Address:

325 Broadway

City:Boulder

State_or_Province:CO

Postal_Code:80303

Country:USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone:303 497-4654

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone:303-497-6513

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:david.fischman@noaa.gov

Hours_of_Service:8:00 - 5:00 Mountain

Distribution_Liability:

While every effort has been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable within the limits of the current state of the art, NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in the data, nor as a result of the failure of the data to function on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty.

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Format_Name:IAGA2002

Format_Version_Date:2001

Format_Specification:

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/IAGA/vdat/iagaformat.html

Format_Information_Content:

Columnar ASCII values including date, time, and magnetic field values, including header information pertinate to the individual observatory.

File_Decompression_Technique:generally ZIP

Digital_Transfer_Option:

Online_Option:

Computer_Contact_Information:

Network_Address:

Network_Resource_Name:http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/IAGA/vdat/iagaformat.html

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Format_Name:WDC-A

Digital_Transfer_Option:

Online_Option:

Computer_Contact_Information:

Network_Address:

Network_Resource_Name:www.wdcb.ru/stp/data/geo_min.val/AIA-Argentine%20Islands/DIGITAL%20WDC%20FORMATS.doc

Access_Instructions:

This is an outdated ASCII format.

Fees:None

Ordering_Instructions:

Contact NGDC for instructions.

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date:

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce

Contact_Person:David Fischman

Contact_Position:Data Manager

Contact_Address:

Address_Type:mailing and physical

Address:

325 Broadway

City:Boulder

State_or_Province:CO

Postal_Code:80303

Country:USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone:303 497-4654

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone:303-497-6513

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:david.fischman@noaa.gov

Hours_of_Service:8:00 - 5:00 Mountain

Metadata_Standard_Name:Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata: Extensions for Remote Sensing Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version:FGDC-STD-012-2002

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage:http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/metadata/extensions/local_extensions.html

Profile_Name:NGDC Extensions to FGDC Metadata