Articles | Volume 6, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-439-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-439-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
26 Oct 2017
Research article |
| 26 Oct 2017
Fog-based automatic true north detection for absolute magnetic declination measurement
Alexandre Gonsette
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Dourbes magnetic observatory, Royal Meteorological Institute of
Belgium, Dourbes, 5670, Belgium
Jean Rasson
Dourbes magnetic observatory, Royal Meteorological Institute of
Belgium, Dourbes, 5670, Belgium
Stephan Bracke
Dourbes magnetic observatory, Royal Meteorological Institute of
Belgium, Dourbes, 5670, Belgium
Antoine Poncelet
Dourbes magnetic observatory, Royal Meteorological Institute of
Belgium, Dourbes, 5670, Belgium
Olivier Hendrickx
Dourbes magnetic observatory, Royal Meteorological Institute of
Belgium, Dourbes, 5670, Belgium
François Humbled
Dourbes magnetic observatory, Royal Meteorological Institute of
Belgium, Dourbes, 5670, Belgium
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We present a novel method for calibrating magnetic observatories. We show how magnetometer baselines can highlight a possible calibration error. We also provide a method based on high-frequency automatic absolute measurements. This method determines a transformation matrix for correcting raw data suffering from scale factor and orientation errors. We finally present a practical case where covered data have been successfully compared to those coming from a reference magnetometer.
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Commercial solutions for an automated DI-flux are practically reduced to the AutoDIF and the GyroDIF. We analyze the pros and cons of both in terms of suitability at the Livingston Island geomagnetic observatory, Antarctica. We conclude that the GyroDIF is more suitable for harsh conditions due to its simpler infrastructure. We also show the instrument housing design and its control electronics. Our experiences can benefit the geomagnetic community, which often faces similar challenges.
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Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 361–366, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-361-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-361-2017, 2017
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In 2013 the scientists from the geophysical centre in Dourbes started a project to install a fully automated observatory in Antarctica. The ultimate aim is to have real-time data coming in to Dourbes every second. After evaluation of different data transfer protocols, we chose to use Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) and receive the 1 s data with a negligible latency cost and no loss of data.
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Ozkan Kafadar
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Maximilian Weigand, Florian M. Wagner, Jonas K. Limbrock, Christin Hilbich, Christian Hauck, and Andreas Kemna
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 317–336, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-317-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-317-2020, 2020
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Angelika Xaver, Luca Zappa, Gerhard Rab, Isabella Pfeil, Mariette Vreugdenhil, Drew Hemment, and Wouter Arnoud Dorigo
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 117–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-117-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-117-2020, 2020
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Soil moisture plays a key role in the hydrological cycle and the climate system. Although soil moisture can be observed by the means of satellites, ground observations are still crucial for evaluating and improving these satellite products. In this study, we investigate the performance of a consumer low-cost soil moisture sensor in the lab and in the field. We demonstrate that this sensor can be used for scientific applications, for example to create a dataset valuable for satellite validation.
Qisheng Zhang, Wenhao Li, Feng Guo, Zhenzhong Yuan, Shuaiqing Qiao, and Qimao Zhang
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 241–249, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-241-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-241-2019, 2019
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Wenhao Li, Qisheng Zhang, Qimao Zhang, Feng Guo, Shuaiqing Qiao, Shiyang Liu, Yueyun Luo, Yuefeng Niu, and Xing Heng
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 177–186, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-177-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-177-2019, 2019
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The nonuniqueness of geophysical inversions, which is based on a single geophysical method, is a long–standing problem in geophysical exploration. This paper developed a distributed, multi–channel, high–precision data acquisition system. It can achieve high–precision hybrid acquisition of seismic–electrical data and monitor the real–time quality of data acquisition processes using NB–IoT technology. The equivalent input noise is 0.5 μV and the synchronization accuracy is within 200 ns.
Andrew O. Hoffman, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, Knut Christianson, and Christine Hvidberg
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 149–159, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-149-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-149-2019, 2019
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We present the design considerations and deployment of an autonomous modular terrestrial rover for ice-sheet exploration that is inexpensive, easy to construct, and allows for instrumentation customization. The rover proved capable of driving over 20 km on a single charge with a drawbar pull of 250 N, which is sufficient to tow commercial ground-penetrating radars. Due to its low cost, low power requirements, and simple modular design, mass deployments of this rover design are practicable.
Sharafeldin M. Sharafeldin, Khalid S. Essa, Mohamed A. S. Youssef, Hakan Karsli, Zein E. Diab, and Nilgun Sayil
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 29–43, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-29-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-29-2019, 2019
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Integrated geophysical techniques (ERT, SSR, and GPR) along the conducted profiles at the Great Pyramids of Giza have been successfully used to investigate the groundwater table and support hazard mitigation. The groundwater table elevation is 15 m under the Great Sphinx, which is safe, and at the Nazlet El-Samman it is 16–17 m.
Lichao Liu, Denys Grombacher, Esben Auken, and Jakob Juul Larsen
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-1-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-1-2019, 2019
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This paper introcudes the design workflow and test approaches of a surface-NMR receiver. But the method and technqiues, for instance, signal loop, acqusition board, GPS synchronization, and Wi-Fi network, could also be employed in other geophysical instruments.
Shuaiqing Qiao, Hongmei Duan, Qisheng Zhang, Qimao Zhang, Shuhan Li, Shenghui Liu, Shiyang Liu, Yongqing Wang, Shichu Yan, Wenhao Li, and Feng Guo
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 7, 253–263, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-253-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-253-2018, 2018
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In this study, a high-precision distributed wireless microseismic acquisition system has been designed for oil and gas exploration. The system design, which was based on the ADS1274 chip manufactured by TI, made full use of the four channels of the chip to collect vibration signals in three directions and one electrical signal, respectively. Furthermore, the acquisition system used GPS and WIFI technologies to achieve distributed wireless acquisition.
Kazuyuki Saito, Go Iwahana, Hiroki Ikawa, Hirohiko Nagano, and Robert C. Busey
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 7, 223–234, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-223-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-223-2018, 2018
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A DTS system, using fibre-optic cables as a temperature sensor, measured surface and subsurface temperatures at a boreal forest underlain by permafrost in the interior of Alaska for 2 years every 30 min at 0.5-metre intervals along 2.7 km to monitor the daily and seasonal temperature changes, whose temperature ranges between −40 ºC in winter and 30 ºC in summer. This instrumentation illustrated characteristics of temperature variations and snow pack dynamics under different land cover types.
Fanqiang Lin, Xuben Wang, Kecheng Chen, Depan Hu, Song Gao, Xue Zou, and Cai Zeng
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 7, 209–221, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-209-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-209-2018, 2018
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The main purpose of this paper is to introduce a receiver system for the synchronous acquisition of multiple electromagnetic signals in transient electromagnetic prospecting to achieve multiparameter and multichannel synchronous reception. The reliability, practicability, and data validity of the receiver were verified by different kinds of testing. It can be used for the reception of pseudorandom signals and distributed 3-D data, which can improve geophysical exploration efficiency.
Nissaf Boudhina, Rim Zitouna-Chebbi, Insaf Mekki, Frédéric Jacob, Nétij Ben Mechlia, Moncef Masmoudi, and Laurent Prévot
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 7, 151–167, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-151-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-151-2018, 2018
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To provide reliable time series of evapotranspiration, we evaluated the performances of four different gap-filling methods when tailored to conditions of hilly crop fields. The tailoring consisted of splitting the time series beforehand on the basis of upslope and downslope winds. The obtained accuracies on evapotranspiration after gap filling were comparable to those previously reported over flat and mountainous terrains, and they were better with the most widely used gap-filling method.
Prasanna Mahavarkar, Jacob John, Vijay Dhapre, Varun Dongre, and Sachin Labde
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 7, 143–149, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-143-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-143-2018, 2018
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The authors have successfully recommissioned an unused tri-axial Helmholtz coil system. The system now serves as a national facility for calibrating magnetometers.
Martin Schrön, Steffen Zacharias, Gary Womack, Markus Köhli, Darin Desilets, Sascha E. Oswald, Jan Bumberger, Hannes Mollenhauer, Simon Kögler, Paul Remmler, Mandy Kasner, Astrid Denk, and Peter Dietrich
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 7, 83–99, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-83-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-83-2018, 2018
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Cosmic-ray neutron sensing (CRNS) is a unique technology to monitor water storages in complex environments, non-invasively, continuously, autonomuously, and representatively in large areas. However, neutron detector signals are not comparable per se: there is statistical noise, technical differences, and locational effects. We found out what it takes to make CRNS consistent in time and space to ensure reliable data quality. We further propose a method to correct for sealed areas in the footrint.
Xinyue Zhang, Qisheng Zhang, Meng Wang, Qiang Kong, Shengquan Zhang, Ruihao He, Shenghui Liu, Shuhan Li, and Zhenzhong Yuan
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 495–503, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-495-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-495-2017, 2017
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We believe that our study full-waveform voltage and current recording device for MTEM transmitters makes a significant contribution to the literature because this full-waveform recording device can be used to monitor the high-power, full-waveform voltages and currents of MTEM transmitters. It has high precision, finer edge details, low noise, and other advantages. Hence, it can be used for real-time recording and transmission to the receiver for coherent demodulation.
Peter W. Thorne, Fabio Madonna, Joerg Schulz, Tim Oakley, Bruce Ingleby, Marco Rosoldi, Emanuele Tramutola, Antti Arola, Matthias Buschmann, Anna C. Mikalsen, Richard Davy, Corinne Voces, Karin Kreher, Martine De Maziere, and Gelsomina Pappalardo
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 453–472, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-453-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-453-2017, 2017
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The term system-of-systems with respect to observational capabilities is frequently used, but what does it mean and how can it be assessed? Here, we define one possible interpretation of a system-of-systems architecture that is based upon demonstrable aspects of observing capabilities. We develop a set of assessment strands and then apply these to a set of atmospheric observational networks to decide which observations may be suitable for characterising satellite platforms in future work.
Wilhelm Nikonow and Dieter Rammlmair
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 429–437, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-429-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-429-2017, 2017
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This work describes a new approach to use fast X-ray fluorescence mapping as a tool for automated mineralogy applied on thin sections of plutonic rocks. Using a supervised classification of the spectral information, mineral maps are obtained for modal mineralogy and image analysis. The results are compared to a conventional method for automated mineralogy, which is scanning electron microscopy with mineral liberation analyzer, showing a good overall accuracy of 76 %.
E. William Worthington and Jürgen Matzka
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 419–427, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-419-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-419-2017, 2017
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We have compared two methods of performing Absolute observations of the Earth's magnetic field. The newer, Residual method was evaluated for use at USGS geomagnetic observatories and compared with measurements using the traditional Null method. A mathematical outline of the Residual method is presented, including more precise conversions of the Declination angles to nanoTeslas (nT). Results show that the Residual method is better than the Null method, especially at high latitude.
Achim Morschhauser, Gabriel Brando Soares, Jürgen Haseloff, Oliver Bronkalla, José Protásio, Katia Pinheiro, and Jürgen Matzka
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 367–376, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-367-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-367-2017, 2017
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We report on the history and recent developments of the Tatuoca magnetic observatory in Brazil. This observatory is located close to the geomagnetic equator and within a region of strong main field dynamics. Starting from 2015, we have installed new instrumentation and a new datalogger system. In the paper, we also comment on the challenges of doing absolute measurements at the geomagnetic equator.
Antoine Poncelet, Alexandre Gonsette, and Jean Rasson
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 353–360, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-353-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-353-2017, 2017
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In this paper, we give some background on calibration and verification of our automatic DI-flux instrument and then compare the automatic absolute magnetic measurements
with the human-made and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of automatic measurements.
Alexandre Gonsette, Jean Rasson, and François Humbled
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 361–366, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-361-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-361-2017, 2017
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We present a novel method for calibrating magnetic observatories. We show how magnetometer baselines can highlight a possible calibration error. We also provide a method based on high-frequency automatic absolute measurements. This method determines a transformation matrix for correcting raw data suffering from scale factor and orientation errors. We finally present a practical case where covered data have been successfully compared to those coming from a reference magnetometer.
Achim Morschhauser, Jürgen Haseloff, Oliver Bronkalla, Carsten Müller-Brettschneider, and Jürgen Matzka
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 345–352, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-345-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-345-2017, 2017
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A modern geomagnetic observatory is expected to record geomagnetic data with high stability, high resolution, and high reliability. Also, geomagnetic observatories may be located in remote areas, requiring low power consumption and simple maintenance. Here, we present a new data logger system that was designed to meet these criteria. This system is based on a Raspberry Pi embedded PC and includes a modular C++ software package which can be adapted to specific observatory setups.
Xinyue Zhang, Qisheng Zhang, Xiao Zhao, Qimao Zhang, Shenghui Liu, Shuhan Li, and Zhenzhong Yuan
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 209–215, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-209-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-209-2017, 2017
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In this study, we propose a more accurate method for calculating the current velocity from the nanovolt-scale current-induced electric field as measured using an expendable current profiler (XCP). In order to confirm the accuracy of the proposed data processing method, a sea test was performed, wherein ocean current/electric field data were collected from the sea surface to a depth of 1000 m using an XCP.
Thomas Albin, Detlef Koschny, Sirko Molau, Ralf Srama, and Björn Poppe
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 125–140, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-125-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-125-2017, 2017
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The Canary Islands Long-Baseline Observatory (CILBO) is a stereoscopic camera setup on the Canary Islands Tenerife and La Palma. Both cameras observe the same volume in the sky to determine high-precision orbits of entering meteoroids. Both cameras are identical; however they show different brightness or velocity distributions of the observed meteors. This work analyses different observational bias effects to determine and understand, e.g. camera pointing or observation time-dependent effects.
Fred Sigernes, Pål Gunnar Ellingsen, Noora Partamies, Mikko Syrjäsuo, Pål Brekke, Silje Eriksen Holmen, Arne Danielsen, Bernt Olsen, Xiangcai Chen, Margit Dyrland, Lisa Baddeley, Dag Arne Lorentzen, Marcus Aleksander Krogtoft, Torstein Dragland, Hans Mortensson, Lisbeth Smistad, Craig J. Heinselman, and Shadia Habbal
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 9–14, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-9-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-9-2017, 2017
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The total solar eclipse event on Svalbard on 20 March 2015 gave us a unique opportunity to image the upper parts of the Sun's atmosphere. A novel image accumulation filter technique is presented that is capable of distinguishing features such as loops, spicules, plumes, and prominences from intense and blurry video recordings of the chromosphere.
Timo Sukuvaara, Kari Mäenpää, and Riika Ylitalo
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 5, 513–520, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-513-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-513-2016, 2016
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FMI's combined road weather station (RWS) and roadside unit (RSU) in Sodankylä is a unique research platform combining very advanced road weather measurements with a versatile collection of the most common wireless communication methodologies used in a vehicular environment. Together with harsh Arctic road weather conditions it represents an incomparable development environment and pilot RWS station within the field of intelligent transport systems and vehicular networking.
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Short summary
Absolute magnetic measurements require the vertical and the geographic north as reference directions. We present here a novel system able to measure the direction of the magnetic field and of the vertical and true north. A design of a north seeker is proposed that takes into account sensor bias as well as misalignment errors. Different methods are derived from this model and measurement results are presented. A measurement test at high latitude is also shown.
Absolute magnetic measurements require the vertical and the geographic north as reference...
