The non‐magnetic R.R.S. Research

Abstract

Readers of this JOURNAL have learned from brief notes published from time to time, that a non‐magnetic vessel, the Research, is being built by the British Admiralty to continue the magnetic survey of the oceans inaugurated by the Carnegie Institution of Washington through its Department of Terrestrial Magnetism and carried on by the non‐magnetic vessel, Carnegie, from 1909 until her destruction by explosion and fire in November 1929. It is especially fitting that Great Britain should assume the responsibility of continuing this important work in view of her great maritime interests. For many years the magnetic charts issued by the hydrographic services of the various countries have been based in increasing degree on data obtained by the Carnegie, but serious gaps in available data which would have been filled had she completed her last cruise, and the absence of information regarding the secular change in certain regions render imperative the resumption of the interrupted oceanic survey both from theoretical and practical considerations.To remedy this condition, the construction of the Research was authorized over three years ago but the keel was not laid until September 9, 1937. Since that time good progress has been made. In order to assist in designing the vessel and her instrumental equipment, the Carnegie Institution of Washington, upon invitation of the Admiralty, made arrangements that William J. Peters, first commander of the Carnegie and designer of many of the special and improved types of magnetic instruments used at sea, spend a year in London as consultant on the design of the new vessel and of her special instruments. In addition all information regarding the Carnegie was placed at the disposal of the British Admiralty, thus facilitating greatly the design of the new vessel.