Resolution No.2 (2017): USGS Geomagnetism Program and Magnetic Observatories

The International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA)

Considering

• the value of continuity in high-quality, ground-based magnetic observations to increase our knowledge of Earth dynamics and space weather,

• the importance of such observations and related research in monitoring, modeling and forecasting extreme space weather events that could potentially disrupt the world,

• the critical importance of such observations in developing global reference models such as the International Geomagnetic Reference Field, used in navigation (airborne, marine), satellite orientation, directional drilling and numerous other applications,

Noting

• that the United States presidential budget for Fiscal Year 2018 has proposed to eliminate the USGS Geomagnetism program,
• that most countries with advanced economies support an observational, research-based geomagnetism program,

Urges

• the United States government to continue funding permanent, ground-based magnetic observations in the United States and its territories, as well as observation-based research in geomagnetism.