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National Geomagnetism Program

Barrow (BRW) Geomagnetic Observatory

Magnetometer at Barrow Observatory.

Station Id: BRW
Location: Point Barrow, AK
Latitude: 71.32°N
Longitude: 156.62°W
Elevation: 12 meters
Orientation: HDZF
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Background

The Barrow magnetic observatory was established in 1949, with major upgrades in 1957 associated with the International Geophysical Year. The current physical plant was put into place in 1975. The observatory is of particular importance to the Geomagnetism Program because it is the most northerly of all the USGS observatories, being located well within the auroral oval. The observatory is operated with the cooperative assistance of the Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory of NOAA.

Customers

Publications

  • Townshend, J., 2001. Fifty years of monitoring geophysical data at Barrow, Alaska, Fifty more years below zero, Ed: Norton, D. W., The Arctic Institute of North America, University of Alaska Press, Fairbanks, 61-64.
  • Worthington, E. W. & Love, J. J., 2002. Geomagnetic field monitoring at Barrow, Alaska, Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory, NOAA, US Dept. Commerce, 26, 166-170.

Photos

The Barrow magnetic observatory.

The Barrow magnetic observatory. New combo building is on the left. Old absolutes building in the center.

The Golden Geomagnetic crew in Alaska.

The Golden Geomagnetic crew in Barrow, Alaska.

* Pictures courtesy of Jeff Fox

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