Research Objectives:
Since it was discovered in the 1930s that natural phenomena emit the lowest form of electromagnetic energy (radio waves), the field of radio astronomy has joined the scientific effort to analyze both atmospheric and extraterrestrial signals. The extremely-low-frequency and very-low-frequency (ELF/VLF) record of data collected by this project at Arrival Heights now extends unbroken for almost 20 years. This is a remarkably long period of data that enables us to look for weak effects, for example, those that might be associated with global warming, with some confidence.
Because ELF/VLF radio noise is closely associated with global thunderstorm activity, correlations with phenomena associated with the weather and other global changes can be anticipated. The Arrival Heights measurements supplement those being made at the same frequency by the AGO's deep within the antarctic continent. Arrival Heights and the AGOs in the deep field are ideal sites for this research because they are unusually free of human-generated electromagnetic interference.
The radiometers at McMurdo operate in both the ELF and VLF ranges, monitoring radio noise from natural sources such as thunderstorms. Characterizing the possible sources of radio interference is important for operational purposes. Since thunderstorms generate telltale radio signals, tracking variations in global noise reflects thunderstorm activity and thus can provide information on changes in global climate. The Arrival Heights site is one of a network of eight such radiometers operated by Stanford University for the Office of Naval Research.
