Currently, a first generation of dedicated satellite missions for the precise mapping of the Earth s gravity field is in orbit (CHAMP, GRACE, and soon GOCE). The gravity data from these satellite missions provide us with very new information on the dynamics of planet Earth. In particular, on the mass distribution in the Earth s interior, the entire water cycle (ocean circulation, ice mass balance, continental water masses, and atmosphere), and on changes in the mass distribution.

The results are fascinating, but still rough with respect to spatial and temporal resolution. Technical...

In the recent years, space-based observation methods have led to a subst- tially improved understanding of Earth system. Geodesy and geophysics are contributing to this development by measuring the temporal and spatial va- ations of the Earth's shape, gravity ?eld, and magnetic ?eld, as well as at- sphere density. In the frame of the GermanR&D programmeGEOTECHNO- LOGIEN, researchprojectshavebeen launchedin2002relatedto the satellite missions CHAMP, GRACE and ESA's planned mission GOCE, to comp- mentary terrestrial and airborne sensor systems and to consistent and stable high-precision global...

This volume corresponds to a course of the International Summer School of Theoretical Geodesy, held every 4 years under the sponsorship of the International Association of Geodesy. This particular course, given at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, has been dedicated to the theory of satellite altimetry as a response to the increasing need of scientific work in this field due to important recent and forthcoming space missions. The course was conceived to supply a good theoretical basis in both disciplines, which are deeply involved in the analysis and use of the...

The precise determination of the figure of the earth and its exterior gravitational field requires the solution of the geodetic boundary value problem (GBVP). Recently, a whole series of new measurement techniques has became available, in particular air- and spaceborne methods. They will make its solution much more complete and accurate and will contribute to a better understanding of ocean circulation and of the earth's interior. The book consists of contributions from leading scientists presented at an international summer school. It covers all aspects of the solution of the GBVP, from a...

A General Meeting of the lAG was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, to commemorate its 125th Anniversary. The Edinburgh meeting, which attracted 360 scientific delegates and 80 accompanying persons from 44 countries, was hosted jointly by the Royal Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh. The scientific part of the program, which was held in the Appleton Tower of the University, included the following five symposia: Symposium 101 Global and Regional Geodynamics Symposium 102 GPS and Other Radio Tracking Systems Symposium 103 Gravity, Gradiometry and Gravimetry...

Currently, a first generation of dedicated satellite missions for the precise mapping of the Earth s gravity field is in orbit (CHAMP, GRACE, and soon GOCE). The gravity data from these satellite missions provide us with very new information on the dynamics of planet Earth. In particular, on the mass distribution in the Earth s interior, the entire water cycle (ocean circulation, ice mass balance, continental water masses, and atmosphere), and on changes in the mass distribution.

The results are fascinating, but still rough with respect to spatial and temporal resolution. Technical...

In the recent years, space-based observation methods have led to a subst- tially improved understanding of Earth system. Geodesy and geophysics are contributing to this development by measuring the temporal and spatial va- ations of the Earth s shape, gravity ?eld, and magnetic ?eld, as well as at- sphere density. In the frame of the GermanR&D programmeGEOTECHNO- LOGIEN, researchprojectshavebeen launchedin2002relatedto the satellite missions CHAMP, GRACE and ESA s planned mission GOCE, to comp- mentary terrestrial and airborne sensor systems and to consistent and stable high-precision global...