POLAR METEOROLOGY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20646, 19 August 1930, Page 11

POLAR METEOROLOGY.

ORGANISATION OF RESEARCH. PROBLEMS OF WIRELESS. NATIONS TO GO-OPERATE. In the last quarter of the 19th century it was felt by meteorologists that far more valuable scientific results would accrue from polar expeditions, if, instead of expeditions of an isolated character, parties were to proceed to a number of well-distributed stations in high latitudes and there c&rry out simultaneous observations arranged on a uniform plan for a full year's period. The first international polar year was therefore organised and 'from August, ■ 1882, to August, 1883, 14 expeditions were in the field, 12 in the Arctic and two in tho Antarctic, each fully equipped for comprehensive observations in meteorology and terrestrial magnetism. The practical scientific results of the first polar year were very great, especially in terrestrial magnetism. Indeed, the present charts of the North iPolar rogion aro based largely on observations taken in 1882-83. In meteorology the results wero scarcely less important, especially to the weather forecaster. In the long period which lias elapsed since the first polar year many new problems have arisen, requiring additional data for their solution. Not only has our knowledge of the atmosphere, its constitution and properties, and its processes, increased enormously, but there has been an equal advance in the development of instruments and methods of observing. Immeasurably greater use could therefore bo made of the data which would be derived from a second polar year's work. Wireless and the Upper Air. In particular, the main field of inquiry has been transferred from the surface of the earth to the upper air. The development of wireless communication has discovered the existence of one or more electrically-conducting layers at great heights, which are believed to be connected with the radiation from the sun and the phenomena of the aurora. The aurora in turn is in some way associated with tho development of "magnetic storms," which form a ' fundamental problem in terrestrial magnetism. Both aurora and magnetic storms are most conspicuously developed in high latitudes, btit for their study isolated polar expeditions are of little Talue. It is only from the co-operation of a considerable number of observers, stationed at' strategic points in both polar regions and manipulating standard instruments according to a .definite and pre-arranged plan that the fullest results can be expected. In the first polar year the meteorological'observations were concerned solely with ground level, for in 1882 the necessary instruments and methods for investigating" the winds _ and temperatures of the upper air had not been developed. Now, however, upper air investigation is an essential part of meteorological activity. In Europe and the temperate parts of North America a great deal has been done, but our knowledge of the upper conditions in tho Arctic and Antarctic 13 small. Such knowledge is essential for many purposes, for the completion of our picture of tho paths followed by the air in its circulation about the globe, for the continued progress of weather forecasting and for the development of avia~tion across the Arctic Ocean. It is only by organised co-operative effort that this essential information can be surely obtained. The Second Polar Year. At the International Conference of Directors of Meteorological Institutions at Copenhagen in 1929, therefore, it was decided to organise a second polar year. For both practical and sentimental reasons 1932-33, the jubilee of the first year, appeared to be an appropriate date and it was consequently chosen. The plans for the event, though still far from complete, aro already far advanced. It is proposed to reoecupy, as far as possible, all the original stations established in 1882-1883, but additional stations will also bo established. Improved facilities for transport will make the problem much simpler, and the fullest use will be made of existing meaus. There is no doubt that the countries of the northern hemisphere are determined to make the work in the Arctic a complete success. Germany, France, Holland, Russia, Denmark, Canada, Norway, Sweden, the United States of America, Britain, and probably Italy, will send expeditions. Tho expeditions contemplated are not largo undertakings necessitating the employment of special ships. They will in most cases consist of a party of three or four young men who will proceed to places where accommodation _ is already available, and take observations according to an approved plan throughout the year. There will be three mam avenues of research i*~—• 1. Terrestrial magnetism and aurora. 2. Investigation of the upper air. 3. General meteorological observations. It is anticipated that atmospheric electricity, wireless problems and the ozone content of the upper atmosphere will also bo investigated. Terrestrial Magnetism. Observations are desired in each polar region at two series of stations, one series situated along a circle of latitpde and the other along a magnetic meridian. In addition, it is hoped to establish a series of stations in the Arctic along the line of maximum auroral frequency. This is a belt surrounding the Magnetic Pole at a distance of some hundreds of miles from it. The displays of aurora aro more frequent and brilliant along this line than either nearer the Magnetic Pole or at greater distances. In high southern latitudes it would be regarded as satisfactory if five stations could be set up, while three is a minimum. One of these should bo as near as possible to tho South Magnetic Pole, and Cape Adaro in South Victoria Land, which has already been occupied by two expeditions, and where huts are available, would bo a suitable location.