The Geophysical Observatory Fürstenfeldbrück is a part of the
Institute of Theoretical and Applied Geophysics, University of Munich.
The observatory consists of two divisions, the geomagnetic observatory
(head: Dr. Martin Beblo) and the seismological observatory (head: Dr. Eberhard Schmedes). Since 1939 the Geomagnetic Observatory
Fürstenfeldbrück (FUR) - follower of the observatories Munich (MUC,
1841-1926) and Maisach (MAS, 1927-1932) - runs permanent observations
of the time variations of the earth magnetic elements, mainly for the
study of secular variation of the earth magnetic field. Every 5 to 10
years FUR carries out geomagnetic surveys in Germany in co-operation
with the two other German observatories in Niemegk (NGK) and Wingst
(WNG). FUR has a long tradition in construction of geomagnetic
instruments, nowadays both in developing hardware and software. These
instruments and software are widely used by the geomagnetic community
in the developing countries. In addition to this scientists at the
observatory are engaged in writing the history of geosciences. Studies
of the electrical conductivity of crust and mantle are essential part
of the observatory. The main survey areas have been the Eastern Alps,
South Germany, Iceland and Antarctica. During the last years basic
research in environmental geophysics has been carried out and
transferred to industry.