Articles | Volume 8, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-149-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-149-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
11 Jun 2019
Research article |
| 11 Jun 2019
| 11 Jun 2019
A low-cost autonomous rover for polar science
Andrew O. Hoffman
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Centre for Ice and Climate, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Juliane Maries vej 30, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
Department of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
Hans Christian Steen-Larsen
Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
Knut Christianson
Department of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
Christine Hvidberg
Centre for Ice and Climate, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Juliane Maries vej 30, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
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Andrew O. Hoffman, Paul T. Summers, Jenny Suckale, Knut Christianson, Ginny Catania, and Howard Conway
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1239, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1239, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).
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In Antarctica, fast-flowing ice streams drive most ice loss. Radar data from Conway Ice Ridge reveal that the van der Veen and Mercer Ice Streams were wider ~3000 years ago and narrowed progressively. Numerical modeling demonstrates that small thickness changes can rapidly alter shear-margin locations. These findings offer crucial insights into Late Holocene Ice Sheet readvance.
Andrew O. Hoffman, Knut Christianson, Ching-Yao Lai, Ian Joughin, Nicholas Holschuh, Elizabeth Case, Jonathan Kingslake, and the GHOST science team
The Cryosphere, 19, 1353–1372, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-1353-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-1353-2025, 2025
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We use satellite and ice-penetrating radar technology to segment crevasses in the Amundsen Sea Embayment. Inspection of satellite time series reveals inland expansion of crevasses where surface stresses have increased. We develop a simple model for the strength of densifying snow and show that these crevasses are likely restricted to the near surface. This result bridges discrepancies between satellite and lab experiments and reveals the importance of porosity on surface crevasse formation.
Andrew O. Hoffman, Michelle L. Maclennan, Jan Lenaerts, Kristine M. Larson, and Knut Christianson
The Cryosphere, 19, 713–730, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-713-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-713-2025, 2025
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Traditionally, glaciologists use global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) to measure the surface elevation and velocity of glaciers to understand processes associated with ice flow. Using the interference of GNSS signals that bounce off of the ice sheet surface, we measure the surface height change near GNSS receivers in the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE). From surface height change, we infer daily accumulation rates that we use to understand the drivers of extreme precipitation in the ASE.
Michelle L. Maclennan, Jan T. M. Lenaerts, Christine A. Shields, Andrew O. Hoffman, Nander Wever, Megan Thompson-Munson, Andrew C. Winters, Erin C. Pettit, Theodore A. Scambos, and Jonathan D. Wille
The Cryosphere, 17, 865–881, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-865-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-865-2023, 2023
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Atmospheric rivers are air masses that transport large amounts of moisture and heat towards the poles. Here, we use a combination of weather observations and models to quantify the amount of snowfall caused by atmospheric rivers in West Antarctica which is about 10 % of the total snowfall each year. We then examine a unique event that occurred in early February 2020, when three atmospheric rivers made landfall over West Antarctica in rapid succession, leading to heavy snowfall and surface melt.
Daniel R. Shapero, Jessica A. Badgeley, Andrew O. Hoffman, and Ian R. Joughin
Geosci. Model Dev., 14, 4593–4616, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-4593-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-4593-2021, 2021
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This paper describes a new software package called "icepack" for modeling the flow of ice sheets and glaciers. Glaciologists use tools like icepack to better understand how ice sheets flow, what role they have played in shaping Earth's climate, and how much sea level rise we can expect in the coming decades to centuries. The icepack package includes several innovations to help researchers describe and solve interesting glaciological problems and to experiment with the underlying model physics.
Andrew O. Hoffman, Knut Christianson, Daniel Shapero, Benjamin E. Smith, and Ian Joughin
The Cryosphere, 14, 4603–4609, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-4603-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-4603-2020, 2020
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The West Antarctic Ice Sheet has long been considered geometrically prone to collapse, and Thwaites Glacier, the largest glacier in the Amundsen Sea, is likely in the early stages of disintegration. Using observations of Thwaites Glacier velocity and elevation change, we show that the transport of ~2 km3 of water beneath Thwaites Glacier has only a small and transient effect on glacier speed relative to ongoing thinning driven by ocean melt.
Andrew Bliss, Regine Hock, Gabriel Wolken, Erin Whorton, Caroline Aubry-Wake, Juliana Braun, Alessio Gusmeroli, Will Harrison, Andrew Hoffman, Anna Liljedahl, and Jing Zhang
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12, 403–427, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-403-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-403-2020, 2020
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Extensive field observations were conducted in the Upper Susitna basin in central Alaska in 2012–2014. This paper describes the weather, glacier mass balance, snow cover, and soils of the basin. We found that temperatures over the glacier are cooler than over land at the same elevation. The glaciers have been losing mass faster in recent years than in the 1980s. Measurements of glacier mass change with traditional methods closely matched radar measurements.
Andrew O. Hoffman, Paul T. Summers, Jenny Suckale, Knut Christianson, Ginny Catania, and Howard Conway
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1239, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1239, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).
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In Antarctica, fast-flowing ice streams drive most ice loss. Radar data from Conway Ice Ridge reveal that the van der Veen and Mercer Ice Streams were wider ~3000 years ago and narrowed progressively. Numerical modeling demonstrates that small thickness changes can rapidly alter shear-margin locations. These findings offer crucial insights into Late Holocene Ice Sheet readvance.
Andrew O. Hoffman, Knut Christianson, Ching-Yao Lai, Ian Joughin, Nicholas Holschuh, Elizabeth Case, Jonathan Kingslake, and the GHOST science team
The Cryosphere, 19, 1353–1372, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-1353-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-1353-2025, 2025
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We use satellite and ice-penetrating radar technology to segment crevasses in the Amundsen Sea Embayment. Inspection of satellite time series reveals inland expansion of crevasses where surface stresses have increased. We develop a simple model for the strength of densifying snow and show that these crevasses are likely restricted to the near surface. This result bridges discrepancies between satellite and lab experiments and reveals the importance of porosity on surface crevasse formation.
Ida Haven, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, Laura J. Dietrich, Sonja Wahl, Jason E. Box, Michiel R. Van den Broeke, Alun Hubbard, Stephan T. Kral, Joachim Reuder, and Maurice Van Tiggelen
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Three independent Eddy-Covariance measurement systems deployed on top of the Greenland Ice Sheet are compared. Using this dataset, we evaluate the reproducibility and quantify the differences between the systems. The fidelity of two regional climate models in capturing the seasonal variability in the latent and sensible heat flux between the snow surface and the atmosphere is assessed. We identify differences between observations and model simulations, especially during the winter period.
Andrew O. Hoffman, Michelle L. Maclennan, Jan Lenaerts, Kristine M. Larson, and Knut Christianson
The Cryosphere, 19, 713–730, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-713-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-713-2025, 2025
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Traditionally, glaciologists use global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) to measure the surface elevation and velocity of glaciers to understand processes associated with ice flow. Using the interference of GNSS signals that bounce off of the ice sheet surface, we measure the surface height change near GNSS receivers in the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE). From surface height change, we infer daily accumulation rates that we use to understand the drivers of extreme precipitation in the ASE.
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The role of post-depositional processes taking place at the ice sheet's surface on the water stable isotope signal measured in polar ice cores is not fully understood. Using field observations and modelling results, we show that the original precipitation isotopic signal at Dome C, East Antarctica, is modified by post-depositional processes and provide the first quantitative estimation of their mean impact on the isotopic signal observed in the snow.
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A polar snow isotope dataset from northeast Greenland shows that snow changes isotopically after deposition. Summer snow sometimes enriches in oxygen-18, making it seem warmer than it actually was when the snow fell. Deuterium excess sometimes changes after deposition, making the snow seem to come from warmer, closer, or more humid places. After a year of aging, deuterium excess of summer snow layers always increases. Reinterpretation of deuterium excess used in climate models is necessary.
Hans Christian Steen-Larsen and Daniele Zannoni
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4391–4409, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4391-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4391-2024, 2024
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The water vapor generation module is completely scalable, allowing autonomous calibrations to use N standards and providing integration times only restricted by sample availability. We document improved reproducibility in 17O-excess liquid measurements. This module makes spectroscopy measurements comparable to mass spectrometry. We document that the vapor generation module can be used to analyze instrument performance and for vapor isotope calibration during field campaign measurements.
Mikkel Langgaard Lauritzen, Anne Munck Solgaard, Nicholas Mossor Rathmann, Bo Møllesøe Vinther, Aslak Grindsted, Brice Noël, Guðfinna Aðalgeirsdóttir, and Christine Schøtt Hvidberg
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2223, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2223, 2024
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We study the Holocene period, which started about 11,700 years ago, through 841 computer simulations to better understand the history of the Greenland Ice Sheet. We accurately match historical surface elevation records, verifying our model. The simulations show that an ice bridge that used to connect the Greenland ice sheet to Canada collapsed around 4,900 years ago and still influences the ice sheet. Over the past 500 years, the Greenland ice sheet has contributed 12 millimeters to sea levels.
Aslak Grinsted, Nicholas Mossor Rathmann, Ruth Mottram, Anne Munck Solgaard, Joachim Mathiesen, and Christine Schøtt Hvidberg
The Cryosphere, 18, 1947–1957, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-1947-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-1947-2024, 2024
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Ice fracture can cause glacier crevassing and calving. These natural hazards can also modulate the flow and evolution of ice sheets. In a new study, we use a new high-resolution dataset to determine a new failure criterion for glacier ice. Surprisingly, the strength of ice depends on the mode of deformation, and this has potential implications for the currently used flow law of ice.
Alexandra M. Zuhr, Sonja Wahl, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, Maria Hörhold, Hanno Meyer, Vasileios Gkinis, and Thomas Laepple
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 16, 1861–1874, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-1861-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-1861-2024, 2024
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We present stable water isotope data from the accumulation zone of the Greenland ice sheet. A spatial sampling scheme covering 39 m and three depth layers was carried out between 14 May and 3 August 2018. The data suggest spatial and temporal variability related to meteorological conditions, such as wind-driven snow redistribution and vapour–snow exchange processes. The data can be used to study the formation of the stable water isotopes signal, which is seen as a climate proxy.
Qinggang Gao, Louise C. Sime, Alison J. McLaren, Thomas J. Bracegirdle, Emilie Capron, Rachael H. Rhodes, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, Xiaoxu Shi, and Martin Werner
The Cryosphere, 18, 683–703, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-683-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-683-2024, 2024
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Antarctic precipitation is a crucial component of the climate system. Its spatio-temporal variability impacts sea level changes and the interpretation of water isotope measurements in ice cores. To better understand its climatic drivers, we developed water tracers in an atmospheric model to identify moisture source conditions from which precipitation originates. We find that mid-latitude surface winds exert an important control on moisture availability for Antarctic precipitation.
Laura J. Dietrich, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, Sonja Wahl, Anne-Katrine Faber, and Xavier Fettweis
The Cryosphere, 18, 289–305, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-289-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-289-2024, 2024
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The contribution of the humidity flux to the surface mass balance in the accumulation zone of the Greenland Ice Sheet is uncertain. Here, we evaluate the regional climate model MAR using a multi-annual dataset of eddy covariance measurements and bulk estimates of the humidity flux. The humidity flux largely contributes to the summer surface mass balance (SMB) in the accumulation zone, indicating its potential importance for the annual SMB in a warming climate.
Sune Olander Rasmussen, Dorthe Dahl-Jensen, Hubertus Fischer, Katrin Fuhrer, Steffen Bo Hansen, Margareta Hansson, Christine S. Hvidberg, Ulf Jonsell, Sepp Kipfstuhl, Urs Ruth, Jakob Schwander, Marie-Louise Siggaard-Andersen, Giulia Sinnl, Jørgen Peder Steffensen, Anders M. Svensson, and Bo M. Vinther
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 15, 3351–3364, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-3351-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-3351-2023, 2023
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Timescales are essential for interpreting palaeoclimate data. The data series presented here were used for annual-layer identification when constructing the timescales named the Greenland Ice-Core Chronology 2005 (GICC05) and the revised version GICC21. Hopefully, these high-resolution data sets will be useful also for other purposes.
Alice C. Frémand, Peter Fretwell, Julien A. Bodart, Hamish D. Pritchard, Alan Aitken, Jonathan L. Bamber, Robin Bell, Cesidio Bianchi, Robert G. Bingham, Donald D. Blankenship, Gino Casassa, Ginny Catania, Knut Christianson, Howard Conway, Hugh F. J. Corr, Xiangbin Cui, Detlef Damaske, Volkmar Damm, Reinhard Drews, Graeme Eagles, Olaf Eisen, Hannes Eisermann, Fausto Ferraccioli, Elena Field, René Forsberg, Steven Franke, Shuji Fujita, Yonggyu Gim, Vikram Goel, Siva Prasad Gogineni, Jamin Greenbaum, Benjamin Hills, Richard C. A. Hindmarsh, Andrew O. Hoffman, Per Holmlund, Nicholas Holschuh, John W. Holt, Annika N. Horlings, Angelika Humbert, Robert W. Jacobel, Daniela Jansen, Adrian Jenkins, Wilfried Jokat, Tom Jordan, Edward King, Jack Kohler, William Krabill, Mette Kusk Gillespie, Kirsty Langley, Joohan Lee, German Leitchenkov, Carlton Leuschen, Bruce Luyendyk, Joseph MacGregor, Emma MacKie, Kenichi Matsuoka, Mathieu Morlighem, Jérémie Mouginot, Frank O. Nitsche, Yoshifumi Nogi, Ole A. Nost, John Paden, Frank Pattyn, Sergey V. Popov, Eric Rignot, David M. Rippin, Andrés Rivera, Jason Roberts, Neil Ross, Anotonia Ruppel, Dustin M. Schroeder, Martin J. Siegert, Andrew M. Smith, Daniel Steinhage, Michael Studinger, Bo Sun, Ignazio Tabacco, Kirsty Tinto, Stefano Urbini, David Vaughan, Brian C. Welch, Douglas S. Wilson, Duncan A. Young, and Achille Zirizzotti
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 15, 2695–2710, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-2695-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-2695-2023, 2023
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This paper presents the release of over 60 years of ice thickness, bed elevation, and surface elevation data acquired over Antarctica by the international community. These data are a crucial component of the Antarctic Bedmap initiative which aims to produce a new map and datasets of Antarctic ice thickness and bed topography for the international glaciology and geophysical community.
Romilly Harris Stuart, Anne-Katrine Faber, Sonja Wahl, Maria Hörhold, Sepp Kipfstuhl, Kristian Vasskog, Melanie Behrens, Alexandra M. Zuhr, and Hans Christian Steen-Larsen
The Cryosphere, 17, 1185–1204, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-1185-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-1185-2023, 2023
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This empirical study uses continuous daily measurements from the Greenland Ice Sheet to document changes in surface snow properties. Consistent changes in snow isotopic composition are observed in the absence of deposition due to surface processes, indicating the isotopic signal of deposited precipitation is not always preserved. Our observations have potential implications for the interpretation of water isotopes in ice cores – historically assumed to reflect isotopic composition at deposition.
Michelle L. Maclennan, Jan T. M. Lenaerts, Christine A. Shields, Andrew O. Hoffman, Nander Wever, Megan Thompson-Munson, Andrew C. Winters, Erin C. Pettit, Theodore A. Scambos, and Jonathan D. Wille
The Cryosphere, 17, 865–881, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-865-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-865-2023, 2023
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Atmospheric rivers are air masses that transport large amounts of moisture and heat towards the poles. Here, we use a combination of weather observations and models to quantify the amount of snowfall caused by atmospheric rivers in West Antarctica which is about 10 % of the total snowfall each year. We then examine a unique event that occurred in early February 2020, when three atmospheric rivers made landfall over West Antarctica in rapid succession, leading to heavy snowfall and surface melt.
Andrew W. Seidl, Harald Sodemann, and Hans Christian Steen-Larsen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 769–790, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-769-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-769-2023, 2023
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It is challenging to make field measurements of stable water isotopes in the Arctic. To this end, we present a modular stable-water-isotope analyzer profiling system. The system operated for a 2-week field campaign on Svalbard during the Arctic winter. We evaluate the system’s performance and analyze any potential impact that the field conditions might have had on the isotopic measurements and the system's ability to resolve isotope gradients in the lowermost layer of the atmosphere.
Antoine Grisart, Mathieu Casado, Vasileios Gkinis, Bo Vinther, Philippe Naveau, Mathieu Vrac, Thomas Laepple, Bénédicte Minster, Frederic Prié, Barbara Stenni, Elise Fourré, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, Jean Jouzel, Martin Werner, Katy Pol, Valérie Masson-Delmotte, Maria Hoerhold, Trevor Popp, and Amaelle Landais
Clim. Past, 18, 2289–2301, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-18-2289-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-18-2289-2022, 2022
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This paper presents a compilation of high-resolution (11 cm) water isotopic records, including published and new measurements, for the last 800 000 years from the EPICA Dome C ice core, Antarctica. Using this new combined water isotopes (δ18O and δD) dataset, we study the variability and possible influence of diffusion at the multi-decadal to multi-centennial scale. We observe a stronger variability at the onset of the interglacial interval corresponding to a warm period.
Jiamei Lin, Anders Svensson, Christine S. Hvidberg, Johannes Lohmann, Steffen Kristiansen, Dorthe Dahl-Jensen, Jørgen Peder Steffensen, Sune Olander Rasmussen, Eliza Cook, Helle Astrid Kjær, Bo M. Vinther, Hubertus Fischer, Thomas Stocker, Michael Sigl, Matthias Bigler, Mirko Severi, Rita Traversi, and Robert Mulvaney
Clim. Past, 18, 485–506, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-18-485-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-18-485-2022, 2022
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We employ acidity records from Greenland and Antarctic ice cores to estimate the emission strength, frequency and climatic forcing for large volcanic eruptions from the last half of the last glacial period. A total of 25 volcanic eruptions are found to be larger than any eruption in the last 2500 years, and we identify more eruptions than obtained from geological evidence. Towards the end of the glacial period, there is a notable increase in volcanic activity observed for Greenland.
Kevin S. Rozmiarek, Bruce H. Vaughn, Tyler R. Jones, Valerie Morris, William B. Skorski, Abigail G. Hughes, Jack Elston, Sonja Wahl, Anne-Katrine Faber, and Hans Christian Steen-Larsen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 7045–7067, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7045-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7045-2021, 2021
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We have designed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sampling platform for operation in extreme polar environments that is capable of sampling atmospheric water vapor for subsequent measurement of water isotopes. During flight, we measure location, temperature, humidity, and pressure to determine the height of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) using algorithms, allowing for strategic decision-making by the pilot to collect samples in glass flasks contained in the nose cone of the UAV.
Abigail G. Hughes, Sonja Wahl, Tyler R. Jones, Alexandra Zuhr, Maria Hörhold, James W. C. White, and Hans Christian Steen-Larsen
The Cryosphere, 15, 4949–4974, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4949-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4949-2021, 2021
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Water isotope records in Greenland and Antarctic ice cores are a valuable proxy for paleoclimate reconstruction and are traditionally thought to primarily reflect precipitation input. However,
post-depositional processes are hypothesized to contribute to the isotope climate signal. In this study we use laboratory experiments, field experiments, and modeling to show that sublimation and vapor–snow isotope exchange can rapidly influence the isotopic composition of the snowpack.
Alexandra M. Zuhr, Thomas Münch, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, Maria Hörhold, and Thomas Laepple
The Cryosphere, 15, 4873–4900, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4873-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4873-2021, 2021
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Firn and ice cores are used to infer past temperatures. However, the imprint of the climatic signal in stable water isotopes is influenced by depositional modifications. We present and use a photogrammetry structure-from-motion approach and find variability in the amount, the timing, and the location of snowfall. Depositional modifications of the surface are observed, leading to mixing of snow from different snowfall events and spatial locations and thus creating noise in the proxy record.
Tamara Annina Gerber, Christine Schøtt Hvidberg, Sune Olander Rasmussen, Steven Franke, Giulia Sinnl, Aslak Grinsted, Daniela Jansen, and Dorthe Dahl-Jensen
The Cryosphere, 15, 3655–3679, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-3655-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-3655-2021, 2021
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We simulate the ice flow in the onset region of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream to determine the source area and past accumulation rates of ice found in the EastGRIP ice core. This information is required to correct for bias in ice-core records introduced by the upstream flow effects. Our results reveal that the increasing accumulation rate with increasing upstream distance is predominantly responsible for the constant annual layer thicknesses observed in the upper 900 m of the ice core.
Daniel R. Shapero, Jessica A. Badgeley, Andrew O. Hoffman, and Ian R. Joughin
Geosci. Model Dev., 14, 4593–4616, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-4593-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-4593-2021, 2021
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This paper describes a new software package called "icepack" for modeling the flow of ice sheets and glaciers. Glaciologists use tools like icepack to better understand how ice sheets flow, what role they have played in shaping Earth's climate, and how much sea level rise we can expect in the coming decades to centuries. The icepack package includes several innovations to help researchers describe and solve interesting glaciological problems and to experiment with the underlying model physics.
Patrick Chazette, Cyrille Flamant, Harald Sodemann, Julien Totems, Anne Monod, Elsa Dieudonné, Alexandre Baron, Andrew Seidl, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, Pascal Doira, Amandine Durand, and Sylvain Ravier
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 10911–10937, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-10911-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-10911-2021, 2021
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To gain understanding on the vertical structure of atmospheric water vapour above mountain lakes and to assess its link to the isotopic composition of the lake water and small-scale dynamics, the L-WAIVE field campaign was conducted in the Annecy valley in the French Alps in June 2019. Based on a synergy between ground-based, boat-borne, and airborne measuring platforms, significant gradients of isotopic content have been revealed at the transitions to the lake and to the free troposphere.
Huw J. Horgan, Laurine van Haastrecht, Richard B. Alley, Sridhar Anandakrishnan, Lucas H. Beem, Knut Christianson, Atsuhiro Muto, and Matthew R. Siegfried
The Cryosphere, 15, 1863–1880, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1863-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1863-2021, 2021
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The grounding zone marks the transition from a grounded ice sheet to a floating ice shelf. Like Earth's coastlines, the grounding zone is home to interactions between the ocean, fresh water, and geology but also has added complexity and importance due to the overriding ice. Here we use seismic surveying – sending sound waves down through the ice – to image the grounding zone of Whillans Ice Stream in West Antarctica and learn more about the nature of this important transition zone.
Andrew O. Hoffman, Knut Christianson, Daniel Shapero, Benjamin E. Smith, and Ian Joughin
The Cryosphere, 14, 4603–4609, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-4603-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-4603-2020, 2020
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The West Antarctic Ice Sheet has long been considered geometrically prone to collapse, and Thwaites Glacier, the largest glacier in the Amundsen Sea, is likely in the early stages of disintegration. Using observations of Thwaites Glacier velocity and elevation change, we show that the transport of ~2 km3 of water beneath Thwaites Glacier has only a small and transient effect on glacier speed relative to ongoing thinning driven by ocean melt.
Christine S. Hvidberg, Aslak Grinsted, Dorthe Dahl-Jensen, Shfaqat Abbas Khan, Anders Kusk, Jonas Kvist Andersen, Niklas Neckel, Anne Solgaard, Nanna B. Karlsson, Helle Astrid Kjær, and Paul Vallelonga
The Cryosphere, 14, 3487–3502, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-3487-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-3487-2020, 2020
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The Northeast Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS) extends around 600 km from its onset in the interior of Greenland to the coast. Several maps of surface velocity and topography in Greenland exist, but accuracy is limited due to the lack of validation data. Here we present results from a 5-year GPS survey in an interior section of NEGIS. We use the data to assess a list of satellite-derived ice velocity and surface elevation products and discuss the implications for the ice stream flow in the area.
Jean-Louis Bonne, Hanno Meyer, Melanie Behrens, Julia Boike, Sepp Kipfstuhl, Benjamin Rabe, Toni Schmidt, Lutz Schönicke, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, and Martin Werner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 10493–10511, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-10493-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-10493-2020, 2020
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This study introduces 2 years of continuous near-surface in situ observations of the stable isotopic composition of water vapour in parallel with precipitation in north-eastern Siberia. We evaluate the atmospheric transport of moisture towards the region of our observations with simulations constrained by meteorological reanalyses and use this information to interpret the temporal variations of the vapour isotopic composition from seasonal to synoptic timescales.
John Erich Christian, Alexander A. Robel, Cristian Proistosescu, Gerard Roe, Michelle Koutnik, and Knut Christianson
The Cryosphere, 14, 2515–2535, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-2515-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-2515-2020, 2020
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We use simple, physics-based models to compare how marine-terminating glaciers respond to changes at their marine margin vs. inland surface melt. Initial glacier retreat is more rapid for ocean changes than for inland changes, but in both cases, glaciers will continue responding for millennia. We analyze several implications of these differing pathways of change. In particular, natural ocean variability must be better understood to correctly identify the anthropogenic role in glacier retreat.
Iris Thurnherr, Anna Kozachek, Pascal Graf, Yongbiao Weng, Dimitri Bolshiyanov, Sebastian Landwehr, Stephan Pfahl, Julia Schmale, Harald Sodemann, Hans Christian Steen-Larsen, Alessandro Toffoli, Heini Wernli, and Franziska Aemisegger
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 5811–5835, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5811-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-5811-2020, 2020
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Stable water isotopes (SWIs) are tracers of moist atmospheric processes. We analyse the impact of large- to small-scale atmospheric processes and various environmental conditions on the variability of SWIs using ship-based SWI measurement in water vapour from the Atlantic and Southern Ocean. Furthermore, simultaneous measurements of SWIs at two altitudes are used to illustrate the potential of such measurements for future research to estimate sea spray evaporation and turbulent moisture fluxes.
Andrew Bliss, Regine Hock, Gabriel Wolken, Erin Whorton, Caroline Aubry-Wake, Juliana Braun, Alessio Gusmeroli, Will Harrison, Andrew Hoffman, Anna Liljedahl, and Jing Zhang
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12, 403–427, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-403-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-403-2020, 2020
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Extensive field observations were conducted in the Upper Susitna basin in central Alaska in 2012–2014. This paper describes the weather, glacier mass balance, snow cover, and soils of the basin. We found that temperatures over the glacier are cooler than over land at the same elevation. The glaciers have been losing mass faster in recent years than in the 1980s. Measurements of glacier mass change with traditional methods closely matched radar measurements.
Hera Guðlaugsdóttir, Jesper Sjolte, Árný Erla Sveinbjörnsdóttir, and Hans Christian Steen-Larsen
Clim. Past Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-2019-99, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-2019-99, 2019
Revised manuscript not accepted
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In the North Atlantic four modes of climate variability dominate weather. Here we assess how these modes are affected after both equatorial and high latitude eruptions, known to influence temperature in the atmosphere. Main results show that the modes associated with extreme weather events tend to follow high latitude eruptions as opposed to equatorial eruptions. These modes have also become more frequent as a result of anthropogenic warming, providing an insight into the dominating mechanism.
Nicholas Holschuh, Knut Christianson, Howard Conway, Robert W. Jacobel, and Brian C. Welch
The Cryosphere, 12, 2821–2829, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-2821-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-2821-2018, 2018
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Models of the Antarctic Sheet are tuned using observations of historic ice-sheet behavior, but we have few observations that tell us how inland ice behaved over the last few millennia. A 2 km tall volcano sitting under the ice sheet has left a record in the ice as it flows by, and that feature provides unique insight into the regional ice-flow history. It indicates that observed, rapid changes in West Antarctica flow dynamics have not affected the continental interior over the last 5700 years.
David E. Shean, Knut Christianson, Kristine M. Larson, Stefan R. M. Ligtenberg, Ian R. Joughin, Ben E. Smith, C. Max Stevens, Mitchell Bushuk, and David M. Holland
The Cryosphere, 11, 2655–2674, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-2655-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-2655-2017, 2017
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We used long-term GPS data and interferometric reflectometry (GPS-IR) to measure velocity, strain rate and surface elevation for the PIG ice shelf – a site of significant mass loss in recent decades. We combined these observations with high-res DEMs and firn model output to constrain surface mass balance and basal melt rates. We document notable spatial variability in basal melt rates but limited temporal variability from 2012 to 2014 despite significant changes in sub-shelf ocean heat content.
Related subject area
Ground-based instruments
A steerable system for the RECoverable Autonomous Sonde (RECAS) to access and study subglacial lakes
Distance of flight of cosmic-ray muons to study dynamics of the upper muosphere
The Harwell TCCON observatory
Development of an internet-of-things-based controlled-source ultrasonic audio frequency electromagnetic receiver
A tool for estimating ground-based InSAR acquisition characteristics prior to monitoring installation and survey and its differences from satellite InSAR
An underground drip water monitoring network to characterize rainfall recharge of groundwater at different geologies, environments, and climates across Australia
Research and application of a flexible measuring array for deep displacement of landslides
A hydrate reservoir renovation device and its application in nitrogen bubble fracturing
Gas equilibrium membrane inlet mass spectrometry (GE-MIMS) for water at high pressure
Development of a power station unit in a distributed hybrid acquisition system of seismic and electrical methods based on the narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT)
Spectral observations at the Canary Island Long-Baseline Observatory (CILBO): calibration and datasets
Calculation of soil water content using dielectric-permittivity-based sensors – benefits of soil-specific calibration
The land–atmosphere feedback observatory: a new observational approach for characterizing land–atmosphere feedback
Design and construction of an automated and programmable resistivity meter for shallow subsurface investigation
Feasibility of irrigation monitoring with cosmic-ray neutron sensors
Design and operation of a long-term monitoring system for spectral electrical impedance tomography (sEIT)
Measurements of natural airflow within a Stevenson screen and its influence on air temperature and humidity records
The soil heat flux sensor functioning checks, imbalances' origins, and forgotten energies
Wind speed influences corrected Autocalibrated Soil Evapo-respiration Chamber (ASERC) evaporation measures
Assessing the feasibility of a directional cosmic-ray neutron sensing sensor for estimating soil moisture
Accounting for meteorological effects in the detector of the charged component of cosmic rays
Observation of the rock slope thermal regime, coupled with crackmeter stability monitoring: initial results from three different sites in Czechia (central Europe)
The impact and resolution of the GPS week number rollover of April 2019 on autonomous geophysical instrument platforms
Internet-of-things-based four-dimensional high-density electrical instrument for geophysical prospecting
Design and implementation of the detection software of a wireless microseismic acquisition station based on the Android platform
First evaluation of an absolute quantum gravimeter (AQG#B01) for future field experiments
A new borehole electromagnetic receiver developed for controlled-source electromagnetic methods
Daytime and nighttime aerosol optical depth implementation in CÆLIS
A geophone-based and low-cost data acquisition and analysis system designed for microtremor measurements
A monitoring system for spatiotemporal electrical self-potential measurements in cryospheric environments
Evaluating the suitability of the consumer low-cost Parrot Flower Power soil moisture sensor for scientific environmental applications
Development of a new distributed hybrid seismic and electrical data acquisition station based on system-on-a-programmable-chip technology
Development of a distributed hybrid seismic–electrical data acquisition system based on the Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology
Shallow geophysical techniques to investigate the groundwater table at the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Apsu: a wireless multichannel receiver system for surface nuclear magnetic resonance groundwater investigations
Development of high-precision distributed wireless microseismic acquisition stations
Links between annual surface temperature variation and land cover heterogeneity for a boreal forest as characterized by continuous, fibre-optic DTS monitoring
The development and test research of a multichannel synchronous transient electromagnetic receiver
Evaluating four gap-filling methods for eddy covariance measurements of evapotranspiration over hilly crop fields
Tri-axial square Helmholtz coil system at the Alibag Magnetic Observatory: upgraded to a magnetic sensor calibration facility
Intercomparison of cosmic-ray neutron sensors and water balance monitoring in an urban environment
Development of a full-waveform voltage and current recording device for multichannel transient electromagnetic transmitters
Making better sense of the mosaic of environmental measurement networks: a system-of-systems approach and quantitative assessment
Fog-based automatic true north detection for absolute magnetic declination measurement
Automated mineralogy based on micro-energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence microscopy (µ-EDXRF) applied to plutonic rock thin sections in comparison to a mineral liberation analyzer
U.S. Geological Survey experience with the residual absolutes method
The magnetic observatory on Tatuoca, Belém, Brazil: history and recent developments
Several years of experience with automatic DI-flux systems: theory, validation and results
In situ vector calibration of magnetic observatories
A low-power data acquisition system for geomagnetic observatories and variometer stations
Mikhail A. Sysoev, Pavel G. Talalay, Xiaopeng Fan, Nan Zhang, Da Gong, Yang Yang, Ting Wang, and Zhipeng Deng
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 14, 29–43, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-14-29-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-14-29-2025, 2025
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Our research introduces technology for exploring subglacial lakes while keeping them isolated from surface contamination. The RECoverable Autonomous Sonde (RECAS) can drill ice both downward and upward, allowing clean water sampling. In some cases, the sonde should drill at specific angles to follow a trajectory, maintain verticality, or bypass obstacles. This paper describes the general principles of steering the RECAS by adjusting the drill's heat distribution and the experimental results.
Hiroyuki K. M. Tanaka
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 14, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-14-1-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-14-1-2025, 2025
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A new ground-based technique is described, called
distance of flight of cosmic-ray muons, for sensing the height of the layer of the Earth where cosmic-ray muons are generated, called the muopause, which is closely related to the height of the tropopause and lower stratosphere.
Damien Weidmann, Richard Brownsword, and Stamatia Doniki
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2024-14, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2024-14, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for GI
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The development and characterization of a ground-based system measuring column average concentrations of greenhouse gases is described, as well as the corresponding four years dataset recorded at Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK. The system, based on high-resolution Fourier Transform spectroscopy of atmospheric transmission, fulfills the requirements established by the Total Carbon Column Observatory Network (TCCON) to contribute to the international greenhouse gas observing infrastructure.
Zucan Lin, Qisheng Zhang, Keyu Zhou, Xiyuan Zhang, Xinchang Wang, Hui Zhang, and Feng Liu
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 325–336, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-325-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-325-2024, 2024
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This paper describes the development of a controlled-source ultra-audio frequency electromagnetic receiver based on remote wireless communication technology for use in geophysical prospecting. Our design successfully addresses several shortcomings of such instruments currently available on the market, including their weight, limitations in data acquisition frequency, and difficulty in connecting to the internet for remote monitoring.
Charlotte Wolff, Marc-Henri Derron, Carlo Rivolta, and Michel Jaboyedoff
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 225–248, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-225-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-225-2024, 2024
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The remote-sensing InSAR technique is vital for monitoring slope instabilities but requires understanding. This paper delves into differences between satellite and GB-InSAR. It offers a tool to determine the optimal GB-InSAR installation site, considering various technical, meteorological, and topographical factors. By generating detailed maps and simulating radar image characteristics, the tool eases the setup of monitoring campaigns for effective and accurate ground movement tracking.
Andy Baker, Margaret Shanafield, Wendy Timms, Martin Sogaard Andersen, Stacey Priestley, and Marilu Melo Zurita
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 117–129, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-117-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-117-2024, 2024
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Much of the world relies on groundwater as a water resource, yet it is hard to know when and where rainfall replenishes our groundwater aquifers. Caves, mines, and tunnels that are situated above the groundwater table are unique observatories of water transiting from the land surface to the aquifer. This paper will show how networks of loggers deployed in these underground spaces across Australia have helped understand when, where, and how much rainfall is needed to replenish the groundwater.
Yang Li, Zhong Li, Qifeng Guo, Yimin Liu, and Daji Zhang
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 97–105, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-97-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-97-2024, 2024
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We have developed a novel flexible measurement array for deep landslide displacement and measurement processes, which enables higher accuracy in full-hole multidimensional deformation measurement. It provides a more comprehensive monitoring tool for disaster prevention and reduction.
Jingsheng Lu, Yuanxin Yao, Dongliang Li, Jinhai Yang, Deqing Liang, Yiqun Zhang, Decai Lin, and Kunlin Ma
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 75–83, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-75-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-75-2024, 2024
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Natural gas hydrate (GH) is a significant potential energy source. However, the gas production rate of past GH production tests is much lower than the requirement of commercial gas production. Reservoir stimulation technologies like hydraulic fracture provide one potential approach to enhance gas production from GH. This paper presents an experimental facility that was developed to analyze the hydraulic fracture mechanism in a synthesized hydrate-bearing sediments.
Matthias S. Brennwald, Antonio P. Rinaldi, Jocelyn Gisiger, Alba Zappone, and Rolf Kipfer
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 1–8, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-1-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-1-2024, 2024
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The gas equilibrium membrane inlet mass spectrometry (GE-MIMS) method for dissolved-gas quantification was expanded to work in water at high pressures.
Feng Guo, Qisheng Zhang, and Shenghui Liu
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 12, 111–120, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-111-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-111-2023, 2023
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We propose a new type of power station unit with wireless data transmission capability, which was not supported by same type of instrument as on the market. Based on this, a novel distributed geophysical data acquisition architecture is also proposed. The proposed instrument loads more stations than the industry-leading LAUL-428 while providing additional wireless data transmission and narrowband Internet of Things remote control.
Joe Zender, Detlef Koschny, Regina Rudawska, Salvatore Vicinanza, Stefan Loehle, Martin Eberhart, Arne Meindl, Hans Smit, Lionel Marraffa, Rico Landman, and Daphne Stam
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 12, 91–109, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-91-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-91-2023, 2023
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The paper describes the ground-based camera equipment to obtain images from dust ablation phenomena (meteors) in the Earth's atmosphere. The meteors are observed from two locations, but one station is equipped with a camera containing a spectral grating, which allows following and determining the spectral information through the meteor ablation process. We describe the data merging, calibration, and processing to finally derive the meteor composition.
Bartosz M. Zawilski, Franck Granouillac, Nicole Claverie, Baptiste Lemaire, Aurore Brut, and Tiphaine Tallec
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 12, 45–56, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-45-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-45-2023, 2023
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In most cases, the soil water content (SWC) measurement is carried out using commercially available dielectric-permittivity-based probes such as time domain reflectometers or frequency domain reflectometers (FDR). However, these probes use transfer functions which may be inadequate in the soil concerned. Raw SWC measurement in clayey soil shows an important relative error. A simple protocol is presented, allowing for the recovery of an acceptable accuracy of the FDR SWC measurements.
Florian Späth, Verena Rajtschan, Tobias K. D. Weber, Shehan Morandage, Diego Lange, Syed Saqlain Abbas, Andreas Behrendt, Joachim Ingwersen, Thilo Streck, and Volker Wulfmeyer
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 12, 25–44, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-25-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-25-2023, 2023
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Important topics in land–atmosphere feedback research are water and energy balances and heterogeneities of fluxes at the land surface and in the atmosphere. To target these questions, the Land–Atmosphere Feedback Observatory (LAFO) has been installed in Germany. The instrumentation allows for comprehensive measurements from the bedrock to the troposphere. The LAFO observation strategy aims for simultaneous measurements in all three compartments: atmosphere, soil and land surface, and vegetation.
Antenor Oliveira Cruz Júnior, Cosme Ferreira da Ponte-Neto, and André Wiermann
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 12, 15–23, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-15-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-15-2023, 2023
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This project aims to demonstrate the viability of the development of a concept prototype that has, as a differential, free software and hardware used in its development and operation. It thus has unique characteristics compared with commercially available equipment for signal detection, providing strong rejection of spurious electrical noise, typical of urban areas. This project is important academic contribution to open-source instrumental research.
Cosimo Brogi, Heye Reemt Bogena, Markus Köhli, Johan Alexander Huisman, Harrie-Jan Hendricks Franssen, and Olga Dombrowski
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 451–469, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-451-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-451-2022, 2022
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Accurate monitoring of water in soil can improve irrigation efficiency, which is important considering climate change and the growing world population. Cosmic-ray neutrons sensors (CRNSs) are a promising tool in irrigation monitoring due to a larger sensed area and to lower maintenance than other ground-based sensors. Here, we analyse the feasibility of irrigation monitoring with CRNSs and the impact of the irrigated field dimensions, of the variations of water in soil, and of instrument design.
Maximilian Weigand, Egon Zimmermann, Valentin Michels, Johan Alexander Huisman, and Andreas Kemna
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 413–433, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-413-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-413-2022, 2022
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The construction, operation and analysis of a spectral electrical
impedance tomography (sEIT) field monitoring setup with high spatial and temporal resolution are presented. Electromagnetic induction errors are corrected, allowing the recovery of images of in-phase conductivity and electrical polarisation of up to 1 kHz.
Stephen Burt
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 263–277, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-263-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-263-2022, 2022
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Most measurements of air temperature and humidity originate from Stevenson-type thermometer screens, which can produce erroneous measurements in light winds owing to insufficient ventilation of the in-screen sensors. A field experiment to measure airflow within a Stevenson screen found mean airflow to be only 0.2 m s−1, well below the 1 m s−1 minimum normally assumed, and only 7 % of 10 m mean wind speeds. Implications for air temperature and humidity measurement uncertainties are discussed.
Bartosz M. Zawilski
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 223–234, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-223-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-223-2022, 2022
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Surface energy balance (SEB) closure check and important environmental variable monitoring require soil heat flux measurement. On the one hand every experimental technique has its possible errors and needs to be checked and corrected. On the other hand, SEB equation should include all sensed energy sources and sinks.
Bartosz M. Zawilski
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 163–182, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-163-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-163-2022, 2022
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Soil evaporation is one of the most important water vapor sources on the Earth with multiple and severe consequences; however, there is a relative lack of instruments to measure it. This study describes a simple apparatus making the soil evaporation measurement accessible. The soil evaporation complexity is overcome by measuring the evaporation dynamic under different measurement conditions. A relatively simple measurement correction is then performed depending on the wind speed.
Till Francke, Maik Heistermann, Markus Köhli, Christian Budach, Martin Schrön, and Sascha E. Oswald
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 75–92, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-75-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-75-2022, 2022
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Cosmic-ray neutron sensing (CRNS) is a non-invasive tool for measuring hydrogen pools like soil moisture, snow, or vegetation. This study presents a directional shielding approach, aiming to measure in specific directions only. The results show that non-directional neutron transport blurs the signal of the targeted direction. For typical instruments, this does not allow acceptable precision at a daily time resolution. However, the mere statistical distinction of two rates is feasible.
Maxim Philippov, Vladimir Makhmutov, Galina Bazilevskaya, Fedor Zagumennov, Vladimir Fomenko, Yuri Stozhkov, and Andrey Orlov
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 219–226, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-219-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-219-2021, 2021
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This paper presents a brief description of the ground-based installation for the study of cosmic rays
CARPET. Today there is a network of such installations located in different parts of the world. For ground-based installations, meteorological effects must be considered as they affect the data. This paper shows a technique for eliminating barometric and temperature dependences based on data for 2019–2020.
Ondřej Racek, Jan Blahůt, and Filip Hartvich
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 203–218, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-203-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-203-2021, 2021
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This paper is dedicated to description of universal, easy-to-modify, and affordable rock slope monitoring system. Using such a system, we are able to monitor environmental variables, the rock mass 3 m subsurface zone temperature profile, and spatiotemporal joint dynamics. We observe differences between three monitored sites. To further data analyses, longer time series are needed. The data will be further used for trend analyses and thermomechanical modelling.
Shane Coyle, C. Robert Clauer, Michael D. Hartinger, Zhonghua Xu, and Yuxiang Peng
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 161–168, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-161-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-161-2021, 2021
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Global satellite navigation systems are commonly used for timing and synchronization of instrument platforms. These system clocks periodically
roll overfrom limitations in discrete counter math. Due to the rarity of these events (19.6 years for GPS), special consideration must be given to designing instruments intended for use in hard-to-reach locations like the Antarctic Plateau. A few
best practicesare presented to prevent total system failure from unexpected subsystem faults.
Keyu Zhou, Qisheng Zhang, Yongdong Liu, Zhen Wu, Zucan Lin, Bentian Zhao, Xingyuan Jiang, and Pengyu Li
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 141–151, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-141-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-141-2021, 2021
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This paper describes the development of a new multifunctional four-dimensional high-density electrical instrument based on remote wireless communication technology, for use in shallow geophysical prospecting. We carried out a lot of tests. Our design successfully addresses a number of shortcomings of such instruments currently available on the market, including bulkiness, weight, limitations in data acquisition accuracy, and difficulty of connecting to the Internet for remote monitoring.
Qimao Zhang, Shuaiqing Qiao, Qisheng Zhang, and Shiyang Liu
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 91–100, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-91-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-91-2021, 2021
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In order to meet the needs of geophysical exploration, the requirements of intelligent and convenient exploration instruments are realized. From the perspective of software, this research combines today's wireless transmission technology to integrate applications into mobile phones to realize remote control of field operations. It provides a new idea for geophysical exploration.
Anne-Karin Cooke, Cédric Champollion, and Nicolas Le Moigne
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 65–79, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-65-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-65-2021, 2021
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Gravimetry studies the variations of the Earth’s gravity field which can be linked to mass changes studied in various disciplines of the Earth sciences. The gravitational attraction of the Earth is measured with gravimeters. Quantum gravimeters allow for continuous, high-frequency absolute gravity monitoring while remaining user-friendly and transportable. We assess the capacity of the AQG#B01, developed by Muquans, as a field gravimeter for hydrogeophysical applications.
Sixuan Song, Ming Deng, Kai Chen, Muer A, and Sheng Jin
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 55–64, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-55-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-55-2021, 2021
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Current borehole receivers only measure a single parameter of the magnetic field component, which does not meet the special requirements of controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) methods. This study proposes a borehole electromagnetic receiver that realizes synchronous acquisition of the vertical electric field component and three-axis orthogonal magnetic field components. Results of the experiments show that our system functioned adequately and that high-quality CSEM signals were obtained.
Ramiro González, Carlos Toledano, Roberto Román, David Fuertes, Alberto Berjón, David Mateos, Carmen Guirado-Fuentes, Cristian Velasco-Merino, Juan Carlos Antuña-Sánchez, Abel Calle, Victoria E. Cachorro, and Ángel M. de Frutos
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 417–433, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-417-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-417-2020, 2020
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Aerosol optical depth (AOD) is a parameter widely used in remote sensing for the characterization of atmospheric aerosol particles. AERONET was created by NASA for aerosol monitoring as well as satellite and model validation. The University of Valladolid (UVa) has managed an AERONET calibration center since 2006. The CÆLIS software tool, developed by UVa, was created to manage the data generated by AERONET photometers. The AOD algorithm in CÆLIS is developed and validated in this work.
Ozkan Kafadar
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 365–373, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-365-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-365-2020, 2020
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In this paper, a low-cost, computer-aided, and geophone-based system designed to record, monitor, and analyze three-component microtremor data is presented. This system has several features such as a 200 Hz sampling frequency, text data format, and data analysis tools. The developed software undertakes many tasks such as communication between the external hardware and computer, transferring, monitoring, and recording the seismic data to a computer, and interpretation of the recorded data.
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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In times of global warming, permafrost is starting to degrade at alarming rates, requiring new and improved characterization approaches. We describe the design and test installation, as well as detailed data quality assessment, of a monitoring system used to capture natural electrical potentials in the subsurface. These self-potential signals are of great interest for the noninvasive investigation of water flow in the non-frozen or partially frozen subsurface.
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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Complex and harsh exploration environments have put forward higher requirements for traditional geophysical exploration methods and instruments. In this study, a new distributed seismic and electrical hybrid acquisition station is developed and it can achieve high-precision hybrid acquisition of seismic and electrical data. The synchronization precision of the acquisition station is better than 200 ns and the maximum low-power data transmission speed is 16 Mbps along a 55 m cable.
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.
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.
Alexandre Gonsette, Jean Rasson, Stephan Bracke, Antoine Poncelet, Olivier Hendrickx, and François Humbled
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 439–446, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-439-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-439-2017, 2017
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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.
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.
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Short summary
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.
We present the design considerations and deployment of an autonomous modular terrestrial rover...
