The SuperMAG data processing technique

• Published in: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Vol. 117; no. A9
• Main Author: Gjerloev, J. W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.09.2012; American Geophysical Union
• Subjects: Atmospheric sciences; baseline; Data processing; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Geophysics; ground magnetometer; High performance computing; ionospheric currents; Magnetic fields; Magnetism; magnetospheric currents; quiet day curve; ground truth; magnetic field; magnetometers; trend-surface analysis; time resolution; latitude; data processing; baseline; Perturbation; Periodic variation; Earth; declination; observatories; Ring current; organization; temperature; Quiet day; variometers; coordinate systems
• ISSN: 0148-0227; 2169-9380; 2156-2202; 2169-9402
• DOI: 10.1029/2012JA017683

In this paper I outline the data processing technique which is used in the SuperMAG initiative. SuperMAG is a worldwide collaboration of organizations and national agencies that currently operate more than 300 ground based magnetometers. SuperMAG provides easy access to validated ground magnetic field perturbations in the same coordinate system, identical time resolution and with a common baseline removal approach. The purpose of SuperMAG is to provide scientists, teachers, students and the general public easy access to measurements of the magnetic field at the surface of the Earth. Easy access to data, plots and derived products maximizes the utilization of this unique data set. It is outlined how SuperMAG processes the observations obtained by the individual data provider. Data are rotated into a local magnetic coordinate system by determining a time dependent declination angle. This angle displays a slow gradual change and a yearly periodic variation attributed to changes in the Earth main field and season temperature variations. The baseline is determined from the data itself in a three step process: (1) a daily baseline, (2) a yearly trend, and (3) a residual offset. This technique does not require so‐called quiet days and thus it avoids all the well‐known problems associated with their identification. The residual offset for the N‐ and Z‐components shows a distinct latitudinal dependence while the E‐component is independent of the latitude. This result is interpreted as being due to a weak ring current (likely asymmetric) which is present even during official quiet days. For the purpose of M‐I research using 1‐min data I find no difference between observatories and variometers. I finally argue that there is no correct baseline determination technique since we do not have a set of ground‐truth observations required to make an objective evaluation. Instead, the user must keep in mind the assumptions on which the baseline was determined and draw conclusions accordingly. Key Points A weak residual ring current is always present Automated baseline determination technique Determination of local magnetic coordinate system