Establishing «Petrozavodsk» Geophysics Observatory

What does the Geophysics Laboratory look like? It is a software technical complex for measuring seismological, geomagnetic, geoelectrical ionospheric fields. Scientists receive signals from low-flying artificial Earth’s satellites located at near-polar orbits at an altitude of 850 to 1000 km using a radiotomographic complex. It is designed to measure the Doppler separation effect and to record the amplitude and phase difference of the coherent waves received at frequencies of 400 and 150 MHz. Basically, it restores the electron concentration of the ionosphere, which is essential for many applications, from records of phase difference between the signals transmitted by satellites. Another important equipment is an induction magnetometer used to measure the variations and micropulsations of the geomagnetic and geoelectrical field (МВС) near Petrozavodsk. It is used to assess magnetic field variations and the effect of space weather on the human organism. The instrument functions as follows: the source under control transmits a signal into the earth. The crustal structure can be reconstructed by the response of the medium on the signal’s path. A seismological pavilion in the form of a roofed pediment connected with a rock, on which special equipment is installed, has been built. Both weak regional events and teleseismic earthquakes are recorded here. The establishment of Petrozavodsk Geophysics Observatory has greatly contributed to the development of geophysics in Karelia because mineral prospecting, the construction of a gas pipeleline and other projects are impossible without geophysical methods. Furthermore, the Geophysics Observatory accumulates information on geophysical events that help to more accurately predict geophysical field variations and their effect on the human organism and the environment.