Skip to main content
Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Carnegie Institution Atmospheric-Electricity and Meteorological Data

Legacy Atmospheric-Electricity/Meteorological Data

browse graphicProject Logo
The Department of Terrestrial Magnetism at the Carnegie Institute of Science conducted observations of atmospheric electricity and magnetic storms. In addition to observatories in Washington DC and Tucson AZ, the Department operated observatories in Watheroo, Australia, Huancayo, Peru, and Apia, Samoa. Included are climatological records as well as potential gradient and conductivity data. Observations were conducted between 1916-1956, contained in 92 boxes. In addition to monitoring magnetic events, the observatories initially studied the variation of the electric potential and conductivity of the air, earth currents, cosmic rays, and disturbances in the Sun's chromosphere. They also provided meteorological information for the benefit of the local regions. DTM developed and supplied equipment for Huancayo and Watheroo for magnetic, electrical, cosmic ray, and seismic investigations.
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • NCEI Physical Archive Collection: CARN
  • gov.noaa.ncdc:C01202
gov.noaa.ncdc:C01202
Full Text · XML
Distribution Formats
  • XML
  • PAPER
  • PDF
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Customer Engagement Branch
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
1-828-271-4800
ncei.orders@noaa.gov
Time Period 1916-01-01 to 1956-12-31
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -172
East: 116
South: -31
North: 39
Spatial Coverage Map
Dataset Information
General Documentation
Associated Resources
  • Researches of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism
  • -Vol. 17: Atmospheric-Electric Results from Watheroo Observatory, Western Australia, 1924-1934. By G. R. Wait and O. W. Torreson. 569 pp. (Tabulations and analyses of some of this data were published by the Carnegie Institution in 1948 in three volumes of the series "Researches of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism")
  • -Vol. 18: Atmospheric-Electric Results at Tucson Magnetic Observatory, 1931-1934. By G. R. Wait. 169 pp. (Tabulations and analyses of some of this data were published by the Carnegie Institution in 1948 in three volumes of the series "Researches of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism")
  • -Vol. 19: Atmospheric-Electric Results at Huancayo Observatory, Peru, 1924-1934. By O. W. Torreson and G. R. Wait. 547 pp. (Tabulations and analyses of some of this data were published by the Carnegie Institution in 1948 in three volumes of the series "Researches of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism")
Publication Dates
  • publication: 1956-01-01
Data Presentation Form Hardcopy document - document archived in analog format
Dataset Progress Status Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency Not planned
Purpose A definitive and groundbreaking dataset, the data may be used to confirm original findings on atmospheric electricity, including the Carnegie curve, a mathematical computation of the diurnal variation of atmospheric electricity around the globe, as well as seasonal variations.
Use Limitations
  • Records are in paper format only. Data may be accessed via customer order and through on-site visits to the NCEI archives in Asheville, NC USA.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
Cited Authors
  • Carnegie Institution for Science
Originators
  • Carnegie Institution for Science
Publishers
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Electricity
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Electricity > Atmospheric Conductivity
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Aerosols > Dust/Ash/Smoke
  • Earth Science > Sun-Earth Interactions > Ionosphere/Magnetosphere Dynamics > Electric Fields/Electric Currents
  • Earth Science > Sun-Earth Interactions > Ionosphere/Magnetosphere Dynamics > Magnetic Fields/Magnetic Currents
  • Earth Science > Sun-Earth Interactions > Ionosphere/Magnetosphere Dynamics > Ion Chemistry/Ionization
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
  • SOLAR/SPACE MONITORING STATIONS
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Continent > Australia/New Zealand > Australia
  • Continent > South America > Peru
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America > Arizona
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > South Pacific Ocean > Polynesia > Samoa
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America > District Of Columbia
Stratum keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Space > Earth Magnetic Field > Magnetosphere (other)
  • Space > Earth Magnetic Field
Use Constraints
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Lineage Statement Observations conducted by the Carnegie Institute of Science, 1916-1956, and held at the Carnegie Institute until September 2005, when the entire collection was transferred to NCEI. Published papers and findings are available from the Carnegie Institution of Science.
Processor
  • Carnegie Institution of Science
Processing Steps
  • Collected the data
Processing Environment Data exist on paper, in tabular and autographic charts.
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Last Modified: 2023-09-08
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov