Difference between revisions of "IC SG5"

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<big>'''JSG 0.5: Multi-sensor combination for the separation of integral
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<big>'''JSG 0.14: Fusion of multi-technique satellite geodetic data'''</big>
geodetic signals'''</big>
 
  
Chair: ''F. Seitz (Germany)''<br>
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Chair: ''Krsyzstof Sośnica (Poland)''<br>
Affiliation: ''Comm. 2, 3 and GGOS''
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Affiliation: ''All Commissions and GGOS''
  
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
===Objectives===
 
  
A large part of the geodetic parameters derived from space geodetic observation techniques are integral quantities of the Earth system. Among the most prominent ones are parameters related to Earth rotation and the gravity field. Variations of those parameters reflect the superposed effect of a multitude of dynamical processes and interactions in various subsystems of the Earth. The integral geodetic quantities provide fundamental and unique information for different balances in the Earth system, in particular for the balances of mass and angular momentum that are directly related to (variations of) the gravity field and Earth rotation. In respective balance equations the geodetic parameters describe the integral effect of exchange processes of mass and angular momentum in the Earth system. In contrast to many other disciplines of geosciences, geodesy is characterized by a very long observation history. Partly, the previously mentioned parameters have been determined over many decades with continuously improved space observation techniques. Thus geodesy provides an excellent data base for the analysis of long term changes in the Earth system and contributes fundamentally to an improved understanding of large-scale processes.
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===Terms of Reference===
  
However, in general the integral parameter time series cannot be separated into contributions of specific processes without further information. Their separation and therewith their geophysical interpretation requires complementary data from observation techniques that are unequally sensitive for individual effects and/or from numerical models. Activities of the study group are focussed on the development of strategies for the separation of the integral geodetic signals on the basis of modern space-based Earth observation systems. A multitude of simultaneously operating satellite systems with different objectives is available today. They offer a broad spectrum of information on global and regional-scale processes at different temporal resolutions. Within the study group it shall be investigated in which way the combination of heterogeneous data sets allows for the quantification of individual contributors to the balances of mass and angular momentum.
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Observations provided by space geodetic techniques deliver a global picture of the changing system Earth, in particular temporal changes of the Earth’s gravity field, irregularities in the Earth rotation and variations of station positions due to various geodynamical phenomena. Different techniques are characterized by different accuracy and different sensitivity to geodetic parameters, e.g., GNSS provides most accurate pole coordinates, but cannot provide the absolute information on UT1-UTC, and thus, must be integrated with VLBI or LLR data. GRACE observations provide state-of-the-art and most accurate information on temporal changes of the gravity field, but the temporal changes of the Earth’s oblateness or the geocentre motion can be better determined using SLR data. Therefore, a fusion of various space geodetic observations is an indispensable prerequisite for a reliable description of the varying system Earth.
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 +
However, the space geodetic observations are typically not free of artifacts related to deficiencies in various models used in the data reduction process. GNSS satellite orbits are very sensitive to deficiencies in solar radiation pressure modeling affecting, e.g., the accuracy of GNSS-derived Earth rotation parameters and geocentre coordinates. Deficiencies in modeling of antenna phase center offsets, albedo and the antenna thrust limit the reliability of GNSS and DORIS-derived scale of the terrestrial reference frame, despite a good global coverage of GNSS receivers and DORIS beacons. VLBI solutions are affected by an inhomogeneous quality delivered by different stations and antenna deformations. SLR technique is affected by the Blue-Sky effect which is related to the weather dependency of laser observations and the station-dependent satellite signature effect due to multiple reflections from many retroreflectors. Moreover, un-modeled horizontal gradients of the troposphere delay in SLR analyzes also limit the quality of SLR solutions. Finally, GRACE data are very sensitive to aliasing with diurnal and semidiurnal tides, whereas GOCE and Swarm orbits show a worse quality around the geomagnetic equator due to deficiencies in ionosphere delay modeling.
  
The research activities shall be coordinated between the participating scientists and shall be conducted in interdisciplinary collaboration. At all times the group is open for new contacts and members in order to embed the activities in a wide context. The study group is primarily affiliated with the IAG commissions 2 (Gravity field) and 3 (Earth rotation and geodynamics).
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Separation of real geophysical signals and artifacts in geodetic observations yield a very challenging objective. A fusion of different observational techniques of space geodesy may enhance our knowledge on systematic effects, improve the consistency between different observational techniques, and may help us to mitigate artifacts in the geodetic time series.
  
===Objectives===
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The mitigation of artifacts using parameters derived by a fusion of different techniques of space geodesy should comprise three steps: 1) identification of an artifact through an analysis of geodetic parameters derived from multiple techniques; 2) delivering a way to model an artifact; 3) applying the developed model to standard solutions by the analysis centers.
  
The primary objective of the study group is the development of strategies for multi-sensor combinations with the aim of separating time series of integral geodetic parameters related to Earth rotation and gravity field. The separation of the parameter time series into contributions of individual underlying effects fosters the understanding of dynamical processes and interactions in the Earth system. This is of particular interest in the view of global change.
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Improving the consistency level through mitigating artifacts in space geodetic observations will bring us closer to fulfilling the objectives of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS), i.e., the 1-mm accuracy of positions and 0.1-mm/year accuracy of the velocity determination. Without a deep knowledge of systematic effects in satellite geodetic data and without a proper modeling thereof, the accomplishment of the GGOS goals will never be possible.  
  
Individual contributions from various subsystems of the Earth shall be quantified and balanced. In particular our investigations focus on the separation of the Earth rotation parameters (polar motion and variations of length-of-day) into contributions of atmospheric and hydrospheric angular momentum variations, and on the separation of GRACE gravity field observations over continents into the contributions of individual hydrological storage compartments, such as groundwater, surface water, soil moisture and snow.
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===Objectives===
Investigations in the frame of the study group will exploit the synergies of various observation systems (satellite altimetry, optical and radar remote sensing, SMOS, and others) for the separation of the signals and combine their output with numerical models. Among the most important steps are compilation and assessment of background information for individual observation systems and sensors (mode of operation, sensitivity, accuracy, deficiencies) as well as theoretical studies which (new) information on the Earth system can be gained from a combination of different observation methods.
 
  
In particular the research comprises the following topics:
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* Developing of data fusion methods based on geodetic data from different sources
* potential und usability of contemporary spaceborne and terrestrial sensors for an improved understanding of processes within atmosphere and hydrosphere,
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* Accuracy assessment and simulations of geodetic observations in order to fulfil GGOS’ goals
* analysis of accuracy, temporal and spatial resolution and coverage of different data sets,
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* Study time series of geodetic parameters (geometry, gravity and rotation) and other derivative parameters (e.g., troposphere and ionosphere delays) determined using different techniques of space geodesy
* theoretical and numerical studies on the combination of heterogeneous observation types; this comprehends investigations on appropriate methods for parameter estimation including error propagation, the analysis of linear dependencies between parameters and the solution of rank deficiency problems,
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* Investigating biases and systematic effects in single techniques
* mathematical methods for the enhancement of the information content (e.g., filters),
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* Combination of satellite geodetic observations at the observation level and software synchronization
* quantification of variations of mass and angular momentum in different subsystems from multi-sensor analysis,
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* Investigating various methods of technique co-locations: through local ties, global ties, co-location in space
* analysis of the consistencies of balances between individual effects and integral geodetic parameters on different spatial scales,
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* Identifying artifacts in time series of geodetic parameters using e.g., spatial, temporal, and spectral analyzes
* formulation of recommendations for future research and (if possible) for future satellite missions on the basis of balance inconsistencies.
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* Elaborating methods aimed at mitigating systematic effects and artifacts
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* Determination of the statistical significance levels of the results obtained by techniques using different methods and algorithms
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* Comparison of different methods in order to point out their advantages and disadvantages
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* Recommendations for analysis working groups and conventions
  
 
===Planned Activities===
 
===Planned Activities===
  
* Set-up of a JSG webpage for dissemination of information (activities and a bibliographic list of references) and for presentation and communication of research results.
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* Preparing a web page with information concerning integration and consistency of satellite geodetic techniques and their integration with special emphasis on exchange of ideas, providing and updating bibliographic list of references of research results and relevant publications from different disciplines.
* Organization of conference sessions / workshops:
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* Working meetings at the international symposia and presentation of research results at the appropriate sessions.
** planned in 2013: Conference Session in the Hotine Marussi Symposium
 
** planned in 2014: 2nd workshop on the Quality of Geodetic Observing and Monitoring Systems (QuGOMS’ 14)
 
* Common publications of SG members
 
* Common fund raising activities (e.g., for PhD. positions)
 
 
 
===Principal Scientific Outcome/Results===
 
 
 
By the end of the 4-year period 2011-2015 the following outcome shall be achieved:
 
Mature experience in geodetic multi-sensor data combina-tion including data availability, formats, combination strategies and accuracy aspects
 
Numerical results for separated hydrological contributions to integral mass variations observed by GRACE for selected study areas.
 
Numerical results for separated atmospheric/hydrospheric contributions Earth rotation parameters on seasonal to inter-annual time scales
 
Initiation of at least one common funded project with posi-tions for PhD students working in the topical field of the study group
 
  
 
===Members===
 
===Members===
  
'' '''Florian Seitz (Germany), chair'''<br />Sarah Abelen (Germany)<br />Rodrigo Abarca del Rio (Chile)<br />Andreas Güntner (Germany)
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'' '''Krzysztof Sośnica (Poland), chair''' <br /> Toshimichi Otsubo (Japan) <br /> Daniela Thaller (Germany) <br /> Mathis Blossfeld (Germany) <br /> Andrea Maier (Switzerland) <br /> Claudia Flohrer (Germany) <br /> Agnieszka Wnek (Poland) <br /> Sara Bruni (Italy) <br /> Karina Wilgan (Poland) <br />''
<br />Karin Hedman (Germany)<br />Franz Meyer (USA)<br />Michael Schmidt (Germany)<br />Manuela Seitz (Germany)<br />Alka Singh (India)<br />''
 

Latest revision as of 12:20, 24 April 2016

JSG 0.14: Fusion of multi-technique satellite geodetic data

Chair: Krsyzstof Sośnica (Poland)
Affiliation: All Commissions and GGOS

Terms of Reference

Observations provided by space geodetic techniques deliver a global picture of the changing system Earth, in particular temporal changes of the Earth’s gravity field, irregularities in the Earth rotation and variations of station positions due to various geodynamical phenomena. Different techniques are characterized by different accuracy and different sensitivity to geodetic parameters, e.g., GNSS provides most accurate pole coordinates, but cannot provide the absolute information on UT1-UTC, and thus, must be integrated with VLBI or LLR data. GRACE observations provide state-of-the-art and most accurate information on temporal changes of the gravity field, but the temporal changes of the Earth’s oblateness or the geocentre motion can be better determined using SLR data. Therefore, a fusion of various space geodetic observations is an indispensable prerequisite for a reliable description of the varying system Earth.

However, the space geodetic observations are typically not free of artifacts related to deficiencies in various models used in the data reduction process. GNSS satellite orbits are very sensitive to deficiencies in solar radiation pressure modeling affecting, e.g., the accuracy of GNSS-derived Earth rotation parameters and geocentre coordinates. Deficiencies in modeling of antenna phase center offsets, albedo and the antenna thrust limit the reliability of GNSS and DORIS-derived scale of the terrestrial reference frame, despite a good global coverage of GNSS receivers and DORIS beacons. VLBI solutions are affected by an inhomogeneous quality delivered by different stations and antenna deformations. SLR technique is affected by the Blue-Sky effect which is related to the weather dependency of laser observations and the station-dependent satellite signature effect due to multiple reflections from many retroreflectors. Moreover, un-modeled horizontal gradients of the troposphere delay in SLR analyzes also limit the quality of SLR solutions. Finally, GRACE data are very sensitive to aliasing with diurnal and semidiurnal tides, whereas GOCE and Swarm orbits show a worse quality around the geomagnetic equator due to deficiencies in ionosphere delay modeling.

Separation of real geophysical signals and artifacts in geodetic observations yield a very challenging objective. A fusion of different observational techniques of space geodesy may enhance our knowledge on systematic effects, improve the consistency between different observational techniques, and may help us to mitigate artifacts in the geodetic time series.

The mitigation of artifacts using parameters derived by a fusion of different techniques of space geodesy should comprise three steps: 1) identification of an artifact through an analysis of geodetic parameters derived from multiple techniques; 2) delivering a way to model an artifact; 3) applying the developed model to standard solutions by the analysis centers.

Improving the consistency level through mitigating artifacts in space geodetic observations will bring us closer to fulfilling the objectives of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS), i.e., the 1-mm accuracy of positions and 0.1-mm/year accuracy of the velocity determination. Without a deep knowledge of systematic effects in satellite geodetic data and without a proper modeling thereof, the accomplishment of the GGOS goals will never be possible.

Objectives

  • Developing of data fusion methods based on geodetic data from different sources
  • Accuracy assessment and simulations of geodetic observations in order to fulfil GGOS’ goals
  • Study time series of geodetic parameters (geometry, gravity and rotation) and other derivative parameters (e.g., troposphere and ionosphere delays) determined using different techniques of space geodesy
  • Investigating biases and systematic effects in single techniques
  • Combination of satellite geodetic observations at the observation level and software synchronization
  • Investigating various methods of technique co-locations: through local ties, global ties, co-location in space
  • Identifying artifacts in time series of geodetic parameters using e.g., spatial, temporal, and spectral analyzes
  • Elaborating methods aimed at mitigating systematic effects and artifacts
  • Determination of the statistical significance levels of the results obtained by techniques using different methods and algorithms
  • Comparison of different methods in order to point out their advantages and disadvantages
  • Recommendations for analysis working groups and conventions

Planned Activities

  • Preparing a web page with information concerning integration and consistency of satellite geodetic techniques and their integration with special emphasis on exchange of ideas, providing and updating bibliographic list of references of research results and relevant publications from different disciplines.
  • Working meetings at the international symposia and presentation of research results at the appropriate sessions.

Members

Krzysztof Sośnica (Poland), chair
Toshimichi Otsubo (Japan)
Daniela Thaller (Germany)
Mathis Blossfeld (Germany)
Andrea Maier (Switzerland)
Claudia Flohrer (Germany)
Agnieszka Wnek (Poland)
Sara Bruni (Italy)
Karina Wilgan (Poland)