ENG-2010 — Page 360

302 The Environment

Geophysical Service

The observatory monitors earthquakes in the vicinity of Hong Kong and around the world. Relevant information is issued through the media and the observatory's website. In 2010, the observatory commissioned the Po Shan Seismograph Station, enhancing the monitoring of earthquakes in the South China Sea. In addition, the observatory conducted a geomagnetic survey and published a webpage to promote understanding of geomagnetism.

Official Time Standard

As Hong Kong's official time keeper, the observatory maintains a Time Standard that is accurate to within one-tenth of a microsecond per day and contributes to the determination of Co-ordinated Universal Time. Time checks are available to the public through its Dial-a-Weather System, local radio stations, web clock and the Internet network time service, with the latter handling more than 950 million checks in 2010, an increase of about 34 per cent over 2009.

Public Education

To promote public awareness of hazardous weather and climate change, the observatory carries out a broad range of educational and outreach activities. The Community Weather Information Network, managed by the observatory in collaboration with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, fosters close co-operation with schools and the community to enhance weather education in Hong Kong.

Websites

Environment Bureau: www.enb.gov.hk

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department: www.afcd.gov.hk

Environmental Protection Department: www.epd.gov.hk

Electrical and Mechanical Services Department: www.emsd.gov.hk

Sustainable Development Division: www.susdev.gov.hk

Council for Sustainable Development: www.susdev.org.hk

Civil Engineering and Development Department: www.cedd.gov.hk Hong Kong Observatory: www.hko.gov.hk and www.weather.gov.hk

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