Geomagnetism
The TCS "Geomagnetic Observations"
provides data and services in the field of geomagnetism, dealing with the dynamics
of the planet’s magnetic field and how it affects many aspects of our daily life.
Accurate and integrated geomagnetic data is vital to the well-functioning of
navigation systems, the interpretation of tectonic plates’ movement, and the
accuracy of European mapping agencies, among other important applications.
The TCS is built upon four independent European research institutions, which
gather data from international geomagnetic observatories:
WDC
(World Data Center for Geomagnetism),
IMAGE
(International Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects),
INTERMAGNET
(International Real-Time Magnetic Observatory Network) and
ISGI
(International Service of Geomagnetic Indices). Together these institutions
consolidate a wide range of data and services, including (1) geomagnetic data
and models, (2) indices of geomagnetic activity and tables of geomagnetic events,
(3) data on auroral electrojets/geomagnetic weather and (4) magnetotelluric models.
The Geophysical Center of Dourbes,
part of the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI),
runs two internationally recognised geomagnetic observatories that are providing permanent and consistent
data to INTERMAGNET, WDC and ISGI. The main products delivered are the time
series of the geomagnetic field and the magnetic activity indices,
as measured at the geomagnetic observatories at Dourbes and Manhay.
At both locations, measurements of the complete local geomagnetic vector
(of which the magnetic declination is one component) are performed and stored
every minute. The time series are made available online in near real-time via
the INTERMAGNET network.
Geomagnetic activity indices are calculated and published on the ISGI site.