Publications

The Earth's magnetic field is anomalously weak in a region centred in the South Atlantic and covering parts of southern Africa and South America. This area, where the field reaches less than 60% of the field strength at comparable latitudes, is known as the South Atlantic Anomaly. In the south Atlantic and southern African region the network of continuously recording geomagnetic observatories is sparse. Only 3 INTERMAGNET observatories (Hermanus, Hartebeesthoek, Tsumeb) exist in southern Africa, one on Ascension island, and five in all South America (Kourou, Huancayo, Vassouras, Trelew, Port Stanley). In addition, the observatories of Maputo, Nampula (Mozambique) and Tatuoca (Brazil) are in operation in that region which are not (yet) members of INTERMAGNET programme. Over the last few years we have further improved monitoring the geomagnetic field around the southern Atlantic by setting up three new, remotely operated observatories. They are located in Bolivia, Namibia and on the island of St. Helena. Installing and operating remote observatories requires substantial efforts. The biggest challenge was the installation of St. Helena observatory. The special logistic requirements and expenses are described and first measurement results are shown.

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Linthe, H.-J.; Mandea, M.; Korte, M. (2008): Installing a geomagnetic observatory at St. Helena island - a special challenge. 13th IAGA Workshop on Geomagnetic Observatory Instruments, Data Acquisition and Processing (Golden and Boulder, Colorado 2008).