British radio observations during the Second International Polar Year 1932-33

Abstract

The present communication deals with radio observations made by British workers as part of the general geophysical investigation of polar regions carried out during the Second International Polar Year, 1 August, 1932, to 31 August, 1933. In the long period which has elapsed since the first International Polar Year of 1882-83, the field of geophysical inquiry has been greatly extended by the use of improved methods and instruments. Such advances have been especially notable in atmospheric physics. Among the new methods which have been developed we may count the use of radio waves for the exploration of upper-atmospheric electrification. The prosecution of such methods in recent years has supplemented in many ways the information obtainable from a study of terrestrial magnetism and the aurora. The development of radio methods of ionospheric exploration has proceeded in England during the last ten years under the auspices of the Radio Research Board of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. On the scientific side the work has been directed to the elucidation of the structure of the ionosphere, its variation with time, and the correlation of such variations with other geophysical phenomena. Quite independently of any participation in the work of the International Polar Year, the results of work in England had, for reasons which will be stated later, suggested the need for carrying out similar observations in high latitudes, and Sir George Simpson, F.R.S., a member of the Board, had pointed out the special suitability of Northern Norway for such work. The proposals for an expedition were, however, held in abeyance because of the great advantages which were seen likely to accrue from merging such work in the international effort of the Second Polar Year.