Geomagnetic and seismological data collected from Scott Base, Cape Evans (Ross Island) and Lake Vanda

Geomagnetic and seismological measurements were established in Antarctica in 1957 as part of the International Geophysical Year and have continued until present. Geomagnetic data have been recorded continuously but for a gap in the data from 1959 until 1963. Since 1963, the components of the earth’s magnetic field (H, D & Z) and the large variations in this field associated with the arriving charged particles which produce magnetic storms and aurora, have in principle been recorded continuously, with the quality improving as various upgrades were done. The instruments are still located at Scott Base. Because the surface volcanic rocks at Scott Base are strongly magnetised, two other sites are used for repeat measurements of the earth's magnetic field - Cape Evans (first measured by Scott’s expedition in 1911) and Lake Vanda (first measured in 1974). The magnetic field is remeasured at these sites approximately every five years. Three component recordings of geomagnetic field variations are made, analysed and transmitted to international databases and individual researchers as appropriate. Seismological data have been recorded since 1957 at Scott Base and since 1986 near Vanda Station in the Dry Valleys (VNDA) .The VNDA program was taken over by the USGS (run out of Albuquerque) in 2002 when US and international institutions linked the Dry Valley seismographs into an international telemetered global seismograph network and analysis system. Three component seismological recordings of ground motion are made and analysed for teleseismic events and the location of earthquakes around the globe. This research project forms part of a global networks of observatory seismographs and magnetometers which provide i) information for the study of earthquakes and earth structure and ii) information on the variation of the earth's geomagnetic field on global and regional scales. A 3 component broadband seismometer (SBA) is still located at Scott Base. It forms a vital part of the global network and in the case of seismological or earthquake studies, the Scott Base seismographs are particularly important as the station lies close to the azimuth of the plate boundary and major active tectonic features through New Zealand. The instrument is operated throughout the year and maintained every year.