MAGSAT's contribution to geophysical surveys

Abstract

Magnetic Field Satellite (MAGSAT) data contains contribution from the earth's core, external currents and the crust; the data has been successfully utilised to derive information about each of these sources. Magsat provided the first main magnetic field model based on global vector survey, determining the core radius and mapping fluid motions at the core mantle boundary. It studied the external meridional currents and field aligned currents at high latitudes. But above all Magsat's contribution to the study of the crustal magnetic field has been stupendous. Details of the preparation of accurate crustal anomaly maps are presented. Signatures of the continent ocean magnetisation contrast, masked by the data processing procedures, are discussed. Results obtained from the crustal anomaly maps are reviewed.