Abstract:

A Shipboard Three-Component Magnetometer (STCM) is easily deployed, unrestricted in its use, and
capable of multiparameter measurements, which are clear advantages compared with a towed magnetometer
in harsh polar environments. In this paper, we analyze the influences of a ship’s magnetic field on the STCM
data acquired during the 29th Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition, and obtain the corrected magnetic
signature and its corresponding scalar geomagnetic field. Comparison with data acquired from a towed
magnetometer, there is 47.56 nT of standard deviation for the STCM data, reflecting the tolerable
performance, reliability, and high quality of data of an STCM in polar regions. This constitutes the first-time
for Chinese researchers to testify the STCM measurement available in polar seas. Related technical
refinements will provide effective support for the acquisition of STCM data in upcoming Chinese polar
expeditions.

Key words: three-component geomagnetic data, vector measurement, attitude angles, corrected magnetic signature