Petersen, T.; Thornton, M.; Lewis, A. 2023 The design, construction, installation, and calibration of a new geomagnetic observatory at Arrival Heights, Antarctica. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science report 2023/19. 53 p.; doi: 10.21420/YAQS-MC87
Abstract
GNS Science was contracted by Antarctica New Zealand to help protect the integrity of the long-term dataset recorded at Scott Base geomagnetic observatory (SBA) in connection with the Scott Base Redevelopment (SBR) project. In this science report, we summarise the work GNS Science conducted with the support of Antarctica New Zealand during the three-year SBA Relocation project. A suitable alternative location to which to relocate the observatory was recommended. The planning and construction of the two new geomagnetic observatory huts was complex as it needed to meet INTERMAGNET standards in addition to taking Antarctic environmental and health and safety requirements into account. The tight timeline set by the SBR schedule and the COVID-19 pandemic created another layer of complexity. The deployment of scientific instrumentation and the calibration measurements were conducted over two separate field trips. The winter months in between allowed us to identify problems around the two huts, which still needed to be resolved before the final calibration. The collaboration with a Geoscience Australia geomagnetic observatory expert contributed immensely to a successful outcome. The new SBA has been operational to INTERMAGNET standards at Arrival Heights since 1 January 2023 (auth)
