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Natural Resources Canada > Earth Sciences Sector > Geological Survey of Canada > Geomagnetism
Geomagnetism
Resolute Observatory

Name:Resolute
IAGA alphabetic code:RES
IAGA numeric code:015265
Geographic coordinates:( 265.105° E, 74.690° N ) (map)
Geomagnetic coordinates:( 299.2° E, 83.10° N )
Assuming geomagnetic pole:( 288.53° E, 79.28° N )
(IGRF 1995)
Elevation:30 m
First year:1952
Observatory data

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The Resolute Bay Geomagnetic Observatory was established in Resolute on Cornwallis Island, North West Territories in 1948. However, photographic variometers capable of recording the changes in the geomagnetic field in three components were not placed in operation until November, 1953.

Digital recordings of the geomagnetic field were begun in July, 1973 with the installation of the Earth Physics Branch's AMOS Mk I. The aging AMOS MK I was replaced by the AMOS Mk III in December, 1980. In turn, the AMOS Mk III was replaced by the INTERMAGNET compliant CANMOS in mid-January, 1992.

CANMOS (Canadian Magnetic Observatory System) has been designed by the Geomagnetic Monitoring Service staff, who have developed the software to control the magnetometers and to process the basic digital data. CANMOS includes:

  • a commercial tri-axial ringcore fluxgate magnetometer, mounted on a tilt-correcting suspension (of GSC design)
  • an Overhauser Proton Precession Magnetometer
  • a bus-clock for timing control
  • various storage media
  • RS-232 outputs for 1 second, 5 second and 1 minute data streams

The AMOS MK I and III were instruments designed and manufactured by the then Dominion Observatory and Earth Physics Branch. These instruments differ significantly from a commercial version which was also named AMOS.

The Observatory is in an area consisting of Paleozoic limestone. Geomagnetic field intensity gradients are extremely small: a survey of the area has indicated a very low gradient in total field intensity with no natural anomaly greater than 50 nT within 1.5 km of the observatory site.

The original non-magnetic wooden prefabricated buildings, built in 1948 and 1953 respectively, were replaced in early 1967 by two new buildings situated approximately 30 metres from the older site. At present the Observatory is located on a raised beach line 30 m above sea level and approximately 450 m from the shore of Resolute Bay.


Other Canadian magnetic observatories:


For further information contact: Larry Newitt

2005-12-13Important notices