From the Bottom to the Stratosphere Arctic Climate Features as Seen from the First International Polar Year (1882–1883) Until the End of World War II

Early history of sudden commencement investigation and some newly discovered historical facts

History of Geo- and Space Sciences ◽

10.5194/hgss-12-131-2021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 131-162

Author(s):

Yasuharu Sano ◽

Hiroshi Nagano

Keyword(s):

World War Ii ◽

International Association ◽

Sudden Commencement ◽

Science Museum ◽

World War ◽

International Polar Year ◽

Terrestrial Magnetism ◽

Research Activities ◽

History Of ◽

International Polar

Abstract. The history of the research on the SC (sudden commencement) of magnetic storms before World War II is studied in this paper. Since geomagnetic research activities before World War II are still not yet fully known, this paper aims to reveal some historical facts related to SC investigation at that time. The first conclusion of this paper is the possible first discoverer of the simultaneity of SC at distant locations. We show that a Portuguese scientist had already pointed it out 16 years earlier than believed. The second conclusion is the role and activities of Aikitu Tanakadate as the reporter of the SC investigation committee of STME (Section of Terrestrial Magnetism and Electricity) and IATME (International Association of Terrestrial Magnetism and Electricity) in the IGGU (International Geodetic and Geophysical Union) or IUGG (International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics). Very little was known about his activities as the reporter of this committee. Our investigation at the Tanakadate Aikitu Memorial Science Museum disclosed how he acted and what he thought of SC, based on his frequent letters to and from other scientists. The third conclusion concerns SC research carried out by Japanese scientists during the period of the Second International Polar Year (1932–1933). Not only Tanakadate but also many other Japanese scientists participated in SC research during this international project. This formed a traditional basis of SC investigation in Japan, prompting a number of Japanese scientists to study SC after World War II.

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Antarctic meteorology and climatology: an unfolding story of discovery

Archives of Natural History ◽

10.3366/anh.2005.32.2.316 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 316-333 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Malcolm Walker

Keyword(s):

Southern Ocean ◽

Telecommunication Networks ◽

World War ◽

International Polar Year ◽

International Geophysical Year ◽

International Polar ◽

Antarctic Continent ◽

Meteorological Observations ◽

Strong Winds ◽

The Antarctic

Early explorers and sealers took home from the Southern Ocean tales of tempests, huge waves and massive icebergs. Many recorded in their logbooks and narratives observations of wind, weather and sea state. Meteorological measurements were made on some early voyages but were often of doubtful quality. Not until the 1840s were reliable meteorological observations made near the Antarctic continent. During the First International Polar Year, observations were made near Cape Horn and on South Georgia. From 1899 onwards, bases were established on the Antarctic continent and meteorological observing programmes organized. Extremely strong winds were discovered. Data sets of climatological value became available and data from aloft were obtained. After the First World War, wireless telegraphy was used increasingly to broadcast observations from ships and shore bases to distant analysis centres. During the Second International Polar Year, thousands of meteorological observations were made aboard ships on the Southern Ocean. After the Second World War, the pace of progress quickened, especially during the International Geophysical Year. Research stations and the International Antarctic Analysis Centre were established. Weather satellites, automatic weather stations, global telecommunication networks and powerful computers revolutionized Antarctic meteorology and climatology.

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