Status of the International Gravity Reference System and Frame

• DOI: 10.1007/s00190-020-01438-9
• Publication Date: 2021-01-08T20:20:58Z
• Authors: Hartmut Wziontek; Sylvain Bonvalot; Reinhard Falk; Germinal Gabalda; Jaakko Mäkinen; Vojtech Pálinkás̆; Axel Rülke; Leonid Vitushkin
• Keywords: Gravimeter; Doris (gastropod)

Abstract The increasing importance of terrestrial gravimetry in monitoring global change processes, providing a reference for satellite measurements and applications metrology necessitates stable system reflecting the measurement accuracy achievable by modern gravimeters. Therefore, over last decade, International Association Geodesy (IAG) has developed to achieve accurate, homogeneous, long-term recording Earth’s gravity, while taking advantage potential today’s absolute gravity measurements. current status Gravity Reference System Frame is presented as worked out IAG Joint Working Group 2.1.1 “Establishment system” during period 2015–2019. Here, defined instantaneous acceleration free-fall, expressed Units (SI) set conventional corrections time-independent components effects. frame systems realization includes temporal which represent uniform minimum requirements. Measurements with gravimeters, traceability ensured comparisons at stations, provide basis frame. A such stations values microgal level backbone Core least one available space geodetic technique will link Expanded facilities enabling instrumental verification well repeated regional additional complement key Committee Weights Measures (CIPM) ensure common SI. To make accessible any user replace previous IGSN71 network, an infrastructure based on observations needs be built up. This requires support national agencies, are encouraged establish compatible first order networks information about existing observations.