Chapter 10

Measuring the Earth's magnetic field

Previously

When a measurement of the geomagnetic field is taken at any given point and time, the
resulting value contains the superposition of fields having different origins and varying in
magnitude:

A hydrodynamic dynamo in the Earth's fluid outer core (2900-5100 km depth)

produces over 99% of the Earth's magnetic field main or core field.

Magnetized rocks in the lithosphere (< 50 km depth) lithospheric or crustal field.

Electric currents in the near-Earth space (> 100 km altitude) that are driven by solar
activity external magnetic field.

Changes in the strength and direction of the electric currents cause changes in the
field on time scales of about a year and more (secular variations).

Irregular variations with periods from seconds to hours (transient variations).

The coefficients of the IGRF model (for example) are based on magnetic measurements
made by satellites and at the surface.

Content

Magnetometers

Geomagnetic observatories

Automatic stations

Satellite observations

Material: http://www.iugg.org/IAGA/index.html

Magnetometers

Definitions

Absolute instrument means an instrument capable of giving the magnitude of the magnetic
field or its component in absolute physical base units (e.g., m, kg, s, A, or their derivatives
or angle compared to geographical direction or horizontal plane) or universal constants
(e.g., gyromagnetic ratio of proton or electron).
Relative instrument is an instrument which measures the deviation from an undetermined
field. To know the value of the undetermined field, it is necessary to make an absolute
measurement. In the case of a variometer this value is called a baseline.
Semi-absolute instrument means a relative instrument which by frequent enough
comparisons with absolute instruments gives acceptably high accuracy for the measurement
in question.
Absolute measurements are made using an absolute or semi-absolute instrument to achieve
the required absolute accuracy.
Sensitivity tells how many units at the output of an instrument correspond to one physical
unit (e.g., how many bits for one nT).

Scale value is the inverse of sensitivity.

Base value is the value (usually almost constant) to be added to the recorded one to obtain
the final component value in question.
Baseline value is the same as base value, usually used in connection with magnetograms
where a straight line for scaling exists.
Temperature coefficient indicates how much a measured or recorded value depends on
temperature (e.g., nT/oC). It is based on a linear relation between magnetometer output and
temperature.
Range refers to the upper and lower limits of the values which can be recorded with the
instrument in question (e.g., 4000 nT).
Dynamic range in the ratio between the maximum recordable amplitude and the resolution.
Normally it is expressed in decibels (dB), and the formula for its calculation is
20log(Amax/Amin) where Amax and Amin are the maximum and minimum amplitudes, respectively.

Resolution describes what are the smallest changes recordable. The resolution is limited by
the noise level.
Accuracy decribes the real absolute accuracy. Accuracy of 0.1 nT says that the difference
between the true value and the measured one is not more than 0.1 nT.
Mean square error ( m ) is calculated from the scatter of the measurements.
1 /2
n
2i
m=
,
n1
i =1
where i is the deviation from the mean and n is the number of measurements.

Systematic error of a series of measurements is the deviation of the mean value from the
true value.
Absolute accuracy is determined by sum of the mean square error and the systematic error.

Relative accuracy of a recorded event is the ratio between the accuracy of the recorded
event and its amplitude, normally given in percents (%).
Precision describes the scatter of values. Precision of 0.1 nT means that the values are
within 0.1 nT from their mean value, but it says nothing of the accuracy.
Variometer is a magnetometer which is used to record variations of the magnetic field.

Fluxgate magnetometer

A fluxgate magnetometer consists of a small, magnetically

susceptible core wrapped by two coils of wire.
An alternating electrical current is passed through one coil,
driving the core through an alternating cycle of magnetic
saturation; i.e., magnetised, unmagnetised, inversely magnetised,
unmagnetised, magnetised, and so forth.
This constantly changing field induces an electrical current in the
second coil, and this output current is measured by a detector.
In a magnetically neutral background, the input and output
currents will match.
However, when the core is exposed to a background field, it will
be more easily saturated in alignment with that field and less
easily saturated in opposition to it. Hence the alternating magnetic
field, and the induced output current, will be out of step with the
input current. The extent to which this is the case will depend on
the strength of the background magnetic field.

Typically, a fluxgate magnetometer has a resolution of 0.1 nT (or even 0.01 nT) and a bandwidth from DC to 5 Hz.
In fluxgate magnetometers constructed for observatory use or for other continuous
monitoring of the magnetic field, there usually are three orthogonal sensors fixed to the
same frame for the recording of the three components of the magnetic field. The sensor
assembly is usually rather small and robust. Fluxgate magnetometers are becoming the
most popular instruments at modern digital observatories due to their robust construction
and reliable electronics.
The fluxgate magnetometer measures the component along a particular axis of the sensor,
so it needs to be oriented. It measures the magnetic field continuously, but drifts over time.

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Proton precession magnetometer

The sensor is usually a bottle containing some 200

500 cc proton rich liquid such as water (good but not
practical in cold climate), alcohol or kerosene.
Around the bottle there are about 1000 windings of
copper or aluminum wire for applying a polarizing
field to the liquid (fields up to 0.01 T are used) and for
picking up the signal from the precessing protons after
cutting off the polarizing field.
In the measurement the bottle is oriented so that the
polarizing field is roughly perpendicular to the
measured field.
When the polarizing field is cut off rapidly, the protons
begin to precess around the magnetic field vector,
whose magnitude is to be measured.
The signal from the protons is small, only of the order
of one microvolt in the coil, but its frequency is
measurable for 1 5 seconds depending on the
homogeneity of the measured field and the polarizing
field used.

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The relationship between the frequency of the induced current and the strength of the
magnetic field is called the proton gyromagnetic ratio
=2 f = B
B=2 f / = g f ,
where g=2 / =23.487 nT/Hz

The polarization of the liquid in the sensor bottle takes, depending on the field used,
usually 2 6 seconds.
The longer times are used for getting more protons oriented into the direction of the field,
which means a stronger and longer signal in the measurement, allowing higher sensitivity
(0.1 nT) to be used.
The proton precession magnetometer measures the strength of the field but not its direction,
so it does not need to be oriented. Each measurement takes a second or more.

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Overhauser magnetometer

Uses the same fundamental effect as the proton precession magnetometer to take
measurements.
By adding free radicals to the measurement fluid, the nuclear Overhauser effect can be
exploited. Rather than aligning the protons using a solenoid, a low power radio frequency
field is used to align (polarize) the electron spin of the free radicals, which then couples to
the protons via the Overhauser effect.
This has two main advantages:

driving the radio frequency field takes a fraction of the energy of the solenoid
(allowing lighter-weight batteries for portable units)

faster sampling as the electron-proton coupling can happen even as measurements are
being taken.

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DI-flux magnetometer

Used to measure the declination (D) and inclination (I) of a magnetic field vector.

Consists of a fluxgate magnetometer mounted on a non-magnetic theodolite telescope.

A theodolite is a precision instrument for measuring angles in the horizontal and

vertical planes. It consists of a movable telescope mounted within two perpendicular
axes (horizontal and vertical). When the telescope is pointed at a target object, the
angle of each of these axes can be measured with great precision, typically to seconds
of arc.

Not just any theodolite will do but it has to be non-magnetic.

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Fluxgate magnetometer
mounted on a non-magnetic
theodolite telescope.

The axes and circles of a theodolite.

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Magnetic west

D measurement:

The theodolite is turned horizontally

until the fluxgate sensor indicates
zero field. The axis of the telescope
is now perpendicular to the magnetic
north-south direction.
The direction of the magnetic north
is compared with a known
geographic reference direction,
which gives the angle (D) from true
north.

True north
D

Magnetic north

Magnetic east

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The direction of the true north can be obtained using satellite positioning (e.g., GPS):

two receivers are placed approximately 150 m apart.

The azimuth of the great circle connecting the receives can be calculated from the
coordinates of the receivers using spherical trigonometry.

The accuracy obtained using commercial receivers is 5'' 10''.

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I measurement:

The axis of the theodolite telescope

is aligned with the direction of the
magnetic north.
The telescope is tilted until the
fluxgate sensor again indicates zero
field. The axis of the telescope is
now perpendicular to the magnetic
field vector B.
The tilt angle of the telescope gives
the magnetic inclination I.

Theodolite
telescope
Fluxgate
sensor

Magnetic field
vector H
I

Magnetic
field vector B

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Absolute magnetic measurement

The last step to complete the absolute measurement is to measure the strength of the
magnetic field B at the same location where the declination D and inclination I were
determined using the DI-flux magnetometer.
This is done by replacing the theodolite with a proton magnetometer sensor, which then
gives B.
The vector components of the magnetic field are obtained as
X = B cos I cos D
Y =B cos I sin D
Z =B sin I

The precision of the vector components is 12 nT.

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Geomagnetic observatories

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The objective of geomagnetic observatories is to record continuously, and over the long
term, the time variations of the magnetic field vector and to maintain the accurate absolute
standard of the measurements.
The observations should cover the relevant periods: 1 s 100 000 y and more.
Currently, observatory records exist for the past ~150 years (some observations exist for the
past 400 years).
Satellite observations cannot yet replace the traditional ground-based observatories,
because the life-times of satellite missions are relatively short, at most ~10 years.
There are global, regional and local needs for geomagnetic observatories.

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Global need for observatories

An important global task is to monitor the secular variation of the magnetic field all over the world.
Knowledge of the secular variation is essential in updating magnetic charts and theoretical modeling of the
geomagnetic dynamo theory responsible for the generation of the field.
Monitoring the secular variation is the most difficult task of the magnetic observatories because the annual changes
are small. In the majority of areas of the world the number of magnetic observatories is not adequate for sufficiently
accurate determination of the secular variation.
A sufficiently dense global network is also needed for the calibration and control of magnetic survey satellites used
in detailed surveys of the magnetic field.
A global network is essential in monitoring magnetic storms and other magnetic variations, because these
phenomena affect large areas of the Earth and have different effects in different areas.
A global network is needed for research of current systems in the ionosphere and magnetosphere and induced
currents in the crust and mantle. A more dense network than the present one is needed in the high-latitude areas due
to their special role in a number of studies connected with magnetospheric phenomena, and also in the equatorial
region, where the behavior of the equatorial electrojet needs detailed study. The variations of the magnetic field near
the equator are also important for studies of the ring current in the near-Earth space.

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Regional need for observatories

A global model of the Earth's magnetic field (e.g., IGRF) may differ by thousands of nT
from the locally measured field.
A typical regional need for a magnetic observatory is to serve as a base station for magnetic
surveys. The data from the observatory or preferably from several observatories in the
region are used in reducing the measured survey data to the desired epoch. The final
product of a survey is usually a regional magnetic chart, which is later updated at regular
intervals with the help of the secular variation recorded at the observatories, thus making a
new detailed magnetic survey unnecessary. In many cases this means large savings of
funds.
Another regional use is working as a base station in magnetotelluric soundings.

Magnetotellurics is a method for inferring the Earth's subsurface electrical

conductivity from measurements of the natural geomagnetic and geoelectric field
variations at the Earth's surface. Investigation depth: 300 m 10 km.

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Local need for observatories

From a local point of view, a magnetic observatory monitors the local magnetic variations,
the knowledge of which is needed, for example, in connection with observed power failures
or difficulties in telecommunications.
An observatory provides facilities for calibration of magnetic instruments.
Very often the observatory is the only place to obtain information on local geomagnetic
declination and its change, and in the case of special phenomena like aurora, confirmation
of the natural character of the phenomenon may be obtained from the observatory.
Local anomalies originate in the crust and provide information about the properties of the
rock complexes. Thus, local geomagnetic measurements are an important part of
geophysical prospecting.

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Geomagnetic observatory

Variation room

Absolute room

X (t ) , Y (t ) , Z (t)
t : typical cadence 1- 10 s

B (t 0 ) , I (t 0 ) , D (t 0 )
t 0 : typical cadence one week

Variometers
X ,Y , Z

D,I ,B

X ,Y , Z

X (t )= X (t 0 ) X (t )
Y (t )=Y (t 0) Y (t)
Z (t )=Z (t 0 ) Z (t)

X (t 0 ) , Y (t 0 ) , Z (t 0 )

D,I ,B

D,I ,B

X (t 0 )=B (t 0 )cos I (t 0 )cos D (t 0 )

Y (t 0 )=B (t 0 )cos I (t 0 )sin D (t 0 )
Z (t 0 )=B (t 0 )sin I (t 0 )
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INTERMAGNET

International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network

http://www.intermagnet.org

The INTERMAGNET program exists to establish a global network of cooperating digital

magnetic observatories, adopting modern standard specifications for measuring and
recording equipment, in order to facilitate data exchanges and the production of
geomagnetic products in close to real time.
A large number of geomagnetic observatories throughout the world are members of
INTERMAGNET.
Data availability: 1 min data since 1991, 1 s data from some stations since 2009.

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There are
large gaps
in the
network,
especially
over
oceans.

Locations of the 144 INTERMAGNET magnetic observatories. Two of

them are in Finland: NUR and SOD.
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Geomagnetic observatories in Finland

The NUR and SOD

geomagnetic
observatories are part of
the INTERMAGNET
and IMAGE networks.

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Nurmijrvi geophysical observatory

Has been operating continuously since 1953.

The geographic latitude and longitude and altitude of the observatory are:
60.50oN, 24.65oE
105 m.

The observatory is running two three-component magnetometers, which are controlled

usually once per week with absolute measurements.
Another magnetic recording system at the observatory is a three-component pulsation
magnetometer of the Sodankyl Geophysical Observatory.

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Variation measurements

The Nurmijrvi observatory is running two three-component magnetometers:

1. A Danish suspended flux gate magnetometer (FGE-89) is the primary instrument.
2. A Ukrainian LEMI-025 magnetometer operates as the second variometer.
3. Since June 2013 a Canadian GSM-90 is also recording in the variation room.

The sensors are directed in geographic north and east directions measuring the X, Y and Z
components. The sampling rate is 1 s.
The temperature in the variometer room is kept at 18oC.
Analog voltages from the FGE magnetometer are AD-converted in the variation room and the digital
data are transferred through optical wires to the computers in the main observatory building. The
digital data of the LEMI-025 and of the GSM-90 are transfered through wireless internet to the main
observatory building. Linux-based software stores the data in three files as one-second, ten-seconds
and one-minute averages. Timing is based on GPS time shared through the local network. The
standard one-minute values are averages over one minute periods starting and ending at a half minute
(e.g., 59:30 - 00:30, 00:30 - 01:30, 01:30 02:30). The given time is the starting minute at the center
of the period (00, 01, 02 etc.).

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The time is universal time (UT). The

local time is UT + 2 h (during the
daylight saving time UT + 3 h).

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http://space.fmi.fi/image/realtime/UT/NUR/XYZlast24.html

Universal time

Standard time zones of the world. The number at the bottom of each timezone specifies the number
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of hours to add to UT to convert it to the local time.

Absolute measurements

The strength of the magnetic field (B) is measured with a Polish PMP-7 proton precession
magnetometer.
The declination and inclination of the magnetic field are measured with a DI-fluxmagnetometer, which consists of a non-magnetic Zeiss-Jena theodolite (010B) and of a
flux-gate element mounted on its telescope.
The absolute measurements are made on average once a week.
As an example, the baseline values determined for the suspended FGE for the year 2013 are
shown in the figure:

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2013

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Sodankyl geophysical observatory

Has been operating continuously since 1914 (the only gap in the time series is between
16th September 1944 and 1st January 1947 due to the destruction of the observatory during
the war).
The geographic latitude and longitude and altitude of the observatory are:
67.37 N, 26.63 E
180 m.

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Nowadays the observatory has three "normal" magnetometers: a Danish fluxgate

magnetometer (FG) and two photoelectric torsion magnetometers, a Polish model (PSM)
and a Russian model (RM).The FG has been in operation since 1996, the PSM since 1983
and the RM since 1996.
Additionally, there are two magnetometers to measure the total magnetic field, an old
proton magnetometer Elsec (nowadays used only during field campaigns) and a Canadian
Overhauser magnetometer.
For absolute measurements (once a week) there are two DI-flux magnetometers (Zeiss).
Since the beginning of 2003, the main instrument has been the Danish magnetometer (FG)
and the backup-instrument has been the Polish magnetometer (PSM). The sampling rate of
the FG, PSM and RM is 2 Hz. The Overhauser magnetometer has a sampling rate of 0.2
Hz.

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http://www.sgo.fi/Data/RealTime/magnetogram.php

Automatic stations

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International Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects

(IMAGE)

The main difference between an observatory and an automatic station is that an observatory
is usually manned, which guarantees a better quality of data and uninterrupted time series.
IMAGE consists of 33 mostly automatic magnetometer stations maintained by 10 institutes
from Estonia, Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland, Russia and Sweden.
The prime objectives of IMAGE are to study auroral electrojets and moving twodimensional ionospheric current systems.
Together with other ground-based recordings (by radars, riometers, all-sky cameras) and
satellite observations, IMAGE is an essential part in the investigations of high-latitude
magnetospheric-ionospheric physics.

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IMAGE real-time data:

http://www.space.fmi.fi/image/beta/?page=real_time
Archived data:
http://www.space.fmi.fi/image/data.html

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Helsinki, near Finlandia Hall, 18

March 2015, 00:4801:21 LT.
Photos: Pekka Lhteenmki, Ursa
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Other magnetometer networks

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Satellite measurements

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CHAMP

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Launched: 22 November 2013

Duration: 4 years (following
3-month commissioning
phase)

SWARM

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Copyright ESA/ATG Medialab,
ESA/AOES Medialab

The Swarm mission is designed to measure the magnetic signals that stem from the Earths
core, mantle, crust, oceans, ionosphere and magnetosphere.
This is expected to lead to better understanding of the processes that drive the Earths dynamo,
which currently appears to be weakening.
The mission will offer a unique view inside the Earth to study:

Core dynamics, geodynamo processes and coremantle interaction.

Magnetism of the lithosphere and its geological context.

3D electrical conductivity of the mantle related to composition.

Magnetic signature related to ocean circulation.

In addition, Swarm data will be used to study the Suns influence on the Earth system by:

Analyzing electric currents in magnetosphere and ionosphere.

Understanding the impact of solar wind on dynamics of the upper atmosphere.

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