Magnetotelluric component of the "Geophysical Instrument Pool Potsdam"
The magnetotelluric instruments are part of the "Geophysical Instrument Pool Potsdam(GIPP)" which means that the instruments are generally available for academic use to all German Universities. The allocation of the instruments is decided by the GFZ Executive Board, following the recommendation of the GIPP Steering Board (Lenkungsausschuss). The application form can be found here. All of the magnetotelluric instruments described below are stored and maintained at the premises of the Geomagnetic Observatory in Niemegk.
Export licence for magnetometers of the GIPP (Dual-Use-regulation)
For planned foreign missions with the induction coil magnetometers of the company Metronix (types MFS05/e, MFS06/e, MSF07/e, MFS10/e, as well as SHFT-4), as well as the fluxgate magnetometers of the company Geomagnet (type 01a), an export permit or license to all countries outside the EU is generally required. For export to certain countries (Australia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland (including Lichtenstein) and USA), export is possible via General License EU001.
The borrower of the equipment is responsible for compliance with customs and foreign trade regulations. In the case of exports to a third country requiring a license, this includes, among other things:
- the application for an export license (individual license) at the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), where required
- the application or use of a General Export Authorization (AGG), where possible.
Judging from past experiences, a handling time of 1 - 3 months is to be expected; in some cases longer delays are possible. Please take these handling times into consideration when planning your field work.
Necessary information for the BAFA proposal include the following:
- Name and (office) address of the principal investigator.
- Date and duration of the planned exportation.
- Recipient of instruments (usually cooperation partner in the foreign country with details of a contact person.
- Objectives of the exportation (geophysical measurements, short description of project)
Note: The export of other devices or sensors may also be prohibited or subject to authorization (e.g. embargoed country). In this respect, please always observe the customs and foreign trade regulations.
SPAM MK IV data acquisition system
SPAM Mk IV instruments are Short Period Automatic Magnetotelluric instruments which were developed by GIPP-MT together with Graham Dawes from the University of Edinburgh. The instruments operate in the frequency range between 50 kHz – DC with 24-bit resolution and provide real-time operation. The instruments are usually used in combination with SPAM IV sensor boxes and induction coil magnetometers.
Total number available in GIPP-MT: 50
Earth Data Logger (EDL, 6 channels)
6-channel 24 bit systems which can be used as MT data loggers for broad band and long period recordings (500 Hz – DC), typically in combination with CASTLE sensor boxes. These instruments are also used for seismic experiments.
Total number available in GIPP: 35
SPAM Mk IV sensor boxes
SPAM IV sensor boxes provide the interface to connect electrodes and induction coil magnetometers to data recording instruments such as the SPAM Mk IV and EDL systems. Up to 5 sensors can be connected to a SPAM IV sensor box.
Total number available in GIPP-MT: 50
CASTLE sensor boxes
CASTLE sensor boxes provide the interface to connect electrodes and induction coil magnetometers to data recording instruments such as the S.P.A.M. Mk IV and EDL systems. Up to 3 sensors can be connected to a CASTLE sensor box.
Total number available in GIPP-MT: 70
Control boxes
Control boxes are used to access and programme SPAM Mk IV or CASTLE sensor boxes with a laptop computer (USB connection). Sensor box set-up includes amplification, analogue filter settings, indcution coil mode, etc. A control box is not required for SPAM Mk IV systems
Total number available in GIPP-MT: 15
Metronix MFS05 induction coils
Metronix induction coils are used for broad band magnetotelluric recordings. They are connected to sensor boxes. The MFS05 sensors operate in the frequency range 1 kHz-1000 s.
Total number available in GIPP-MT: 30
Metronix MFS06 induction coils
Metronix induction coils are used for broad band magnetotelluric recordings. They are connected to sensor boxes. The MFS06 sensors operate in the frequency range 8 kHz-1000 s.
Total number available in GIPP-MT: 80
Metronix MFS07 induction coils
Metronix induction coils are used for broad band magnetotelluric recordings. They are connected to sensor boxes. The MFS07 sensors operate in the frequency range 50 kHz-100 s.
Total number available in GIPP-MT: 30
Metronix MFS10 induction coils
Metronix induction coils are used for broad band magnetotelluric recordings. They are connected to sensor boxes. The MFS10 sensors operate in the frequency range 1 kHz-1000 s. The short design makes them particularly suitable for measurements of the vertical magnetic field component. Total number available in GIPP-MT: 25
Geomagnet fluxgate magnetometer
Geomagnet flux-gate magnetometers consist of two units: the sensor unit with anti-tilt construction and the electronic unit to drive the sensor. The instrument is usually operated as a variomenter (the magnetic main field is removed from the signal). Frequency range is 1 Hz to DC.
Total number available in GIPP-MT: 30
Ag-AgCl electrodes
The non-polarisable electrodes for all magnetotelluric work which are designed and manufactured by the GIPP-MT.
Total number available in GIPP-MT: 550
