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| Australian Geophysical Observing System | |
|---|---|
| Name | Australian Geophysical Observing System |
| Abbreviation | AGOS |
| Formation | 21st century |
| Type | Scientific network |
| Headquarters | Canberra |
| Region served | Australia |
| Parent organization | Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation |
Australian Geophysical Observing System is a national network of observational facilities and data services that monitor geophysical phenomena across the Australian continent and adjacent oceans. The system integrates measurements from terrestrial, marine, cryospheric and space-based platforms to support research by institutions such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia), the Australian National University, and the Geoscience Australia. AGOS inputs inform operational activities at agencies including the Australian Defence Force and policy bodies like the Department of the Environment (Australia), and underpin scientific collaborations with international organizations such as the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the Global Seismographic Network.
AGOS comprises a distributed array of sensors, observatories and data centers designed to collect continuous records of seismicity, geomagnetism, gravity, GNSS positioning, atmospheric composition, oceanography and cryospheric change. The network supports multidisciplinary studies at research centers such as the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, the CSIRO Marine Laboratories, the Australian Antarctic Division, and university groups at the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University and University of Western Australia. Operational uses extend to hazard monitoring linked to the Geoscience Australia National Earthquake Database, tsunami warning efforts coordinated with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and climate inputs for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessments.
AGOS evolved from earlier arrays operated by organizations including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Geoscience Australia, and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Milestones include integration projects aligned with initiatives led by the Australian Research Council, infrastructure investments under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, and upgrades following international reviews by the International Council for Science and the Group on Earth Observations. Strategic reports by the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering shaped governance reforms and funding models.
The system deploys broadband seismic stations interoperable with the Global Seismographic Network, continuous GNSS receivers tied to the International GNSS Service, absolute gravity meters interoperable with the International Association of Geodesy, magnetometer observatories contributing to the INTERMAGNET network, oceanographic moorings compatible with the Global Ocean Observing System, and atmospheric platforms coordinated with the World Meteorological Organization. Facilities are co-located at sites near research bases such as Casey Station, Davis Station, and Mawson Station in Antarctica, and coastal observatories at Rottnest Island, Port Hedland, and Tasman Peninsula. Instrument procurement and calibration reference standards from institutions like the National Measurement Institute (Australia) and laboratories in collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre.
Data stewardship is implemented through data centers run by Geoscience Australia, CSIRO Data61, and university consortia that follow international protocols from the Committee on Data (CODATA) and the Open Geospatial Consortium. Observational datasets are archived in repositories interoperable with systems such as the Global Change Master Directory, the World Data System, and the PANGAEA Data Publisher. Metadata standards reference schemas promoted by the International Organization for Standardization and the Group on Earth Observations, while data citation practices align with guidance from the Research Data Alliance. Open access agreements facilitate use by researchers at the Australian National University, Macquarie University, University of Queensland, and international partners including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
AGOS supports earthquake science that informs projects at the University of Canterbury and contributions to the Global Seismology Network, tsunami modelling used by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and regional partners, sea-level research tied to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, and cryosphere monitoring that complements studies by the International Arctic Science Committee and the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research. Applications extend to mineral exploration interests engaged with BHP, environmental monitoring relevant to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and renewable energy planning with stakeholders such as AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator).
Governance arrangements involve stakeholders including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Geoscience Australia, the Australian Research Council, state agencies such as the New South Wales Government science units, and advisory input from bodies like the Australian Academy of Science. Funding streams combine core appropriations from federal entities, competitive grants from the Australian Research Council, contributions through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, and in-kind support from universities and industry partners such as Rio Tinto for geoscience campaigns.
AGOS operates through bilateral and multilateral partnerships with international programs including the Global Earth Observation System of Systems, the Global Seismographic Network, the Global Ocean Observing System, and regional arrangements with the Pacific Islands Forum members. National collaborations link research groups at the University of Tasmania, Curtin University, University of Adelaide, and research institutes like the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia) and CSIRO for coordinated campaigns, joint fieldwork with the Australian Antarctic Division, and data sharing with agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the European Space Agency.