SC 2.1: Terrestrial gravimetry for the needs of geosciences and metrology

Chair: Przemysław Dykowski (Poland)
Vice-Chair: Ezequiel Antokoletz (Argentina/Germany)

Terms of Reference

Geodesists, geophysicists as well as the metrological community utilize gravity datasets from a wide variety of sources: local relative gravity campaigns, pointwise absolute gravity observations, gravity variations in time at fixed locations, and regional scale observations from marine and airborne platforms. These observations need to be consistent with each other, consistent with satellite-based results, and have well defined accuracy/uncertainty determinations. IAG Sub-commission 2.1,“Terrestrial gravimetry for the needs of geosciences and metrology” aims to bring together scientists from all over the globe that are interested in the instruments, techniques, and analysis of terrestrial, marine and airborne gravity measurements.

Objectives

The Sub-Commission 2.1 will:

  • Provide the scientific community with the means to assess the accuracy of their collected gravity datasets with respect to the international gravity reference standards maintained through absolute gravity observations and the organization of regular international absolute gravimeter comparisons. These efforts are done in close cooperation with the metrology community: the BIPM Consultative Committee onMass and Related Quantities, its Working Group on Gravimetry (CCM-WGG), and other Regional Metrology Organizations as well as all interested scientific institutions. This relationship allows for direct traceability of gravity data to international standards between the geoscience and metrology communities.
  • Support the dissemination of the results of these activities through an international absolute gravity database, which in turn, will support the ongoing realization of a new and improved International Terrestrial Gravity Reference Frame (ITGRF), as a realization of the International Terrestrial Gravity Reference System (ITGRS) defined by the IAG in its Resolution adopted during the IUGG General Assembly 2023 (https://www.iag-aig.org/doc/651bd7f2e3cbf.pdf).
  • Support sharing expertise and experience in performing gravity surveys on moving platforms (Marine, Airborne) allowing for the collection of the highest possible quality gravity data using the most up-to-date techniques and, at the same time, allowing the assessment of achieved accuracies.
  • Promote research and development into new instruments and techniques by stimulating communication, cooperation as well as knowledge dissemination between scientific groups worldwide. The Sub-commission will encourage regional meetings and dedicated workshops to face specific problems when and where appropriate.

Program of Activities

This Sub-commission will:

  • Appoint the Steering Committee consisted of experienced members related to the activities of SC2.1 and the contact persons for European, East Asia, Western Pacific,South America and North America Gravity Networks.
  • Host the SG2.1.1 “Developments in near Earth gravity measurements on moving platforms”.
  • Support IAG Commission 2 Symposia such as GGHS as well as any gravity-related meetings.
  • Support of the ITGRF with a database for absolute gravity observations and the documentation of results from the comparisons of absolute gravimeters.
  • Support the activities of the Working Group Q.1: Quantum gravimetry in spaceand on ground of the IAG Project – Novel Sensors and Quantum Technology forGeodesy (QuGe).

Steering Commitee

  • Przemysław Dykowski (Poland); Chair
  • Ezequiel Antokoletz (Argentina/Germany); Vice-Chair
  • John Crowley (Canada)
  • Jack McCubbine (Australia)
  • Shuqing Wu (China)
  • Derek van Westrum (USA)
  • Sylvian Bonvalot (France)
  • Hartmut Wziontek (Germany)
  • Mirjam Biker-Koivula (Finland)
  • David Avalos (Mexico)
  • Iuri Bjorkstrom (Brasil)
  • Thapelo Mametja (South Africa)
  • Takahito Kazama (Japan)
  • Leni Sophia Heliani (Indonesia)