Gravity Field

Variations in gravity across the earth's surface affect the survey of the globe, no matter whether the survey is done by satellite, by plane or on land. Only if we know the variation we can factor in how this affects the surveys.

GRACE FO-mission. (Illustration: NASA)

Contact

Jonathan Frank Kirby

Jonathan Frank Kirby Professor

Tim Enzlberger Jensen

Tim Enzlberger Jensen Researcher

Gabriel Strykowski

Gabriel Strykowski Senior Scientist

René Forsberg

René Forsberg Professor

Biao Lu

Biao Lu Postdoc

Sebastian Holbech

Sebastian Holbech

Bjørnar Dale

Bjørnar Dale PhD Student

Barbara Jenny

Barbara Jenny PhD student

Highly accurate measurements of the gravitational field are needed to refine the precision of satellite navigation systems such as GPS and the European Galileo under construction. At the same time, because the measurements can reveal hidden deposits of oil, water and minerals in the subsoil.

The department's measurements of the gravitational field is conducted both from the surface of the earth and from satellites and aircraft. DTU Space has previously contributed to ESA's satellite mission GOCE with the development of methods for using its gravity measurements, among other things for mapping ocean currents.

National Gravity Networks

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Geoid Models

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Quantum Measurements

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Airborne Surveys

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Polar

Using Satellite Gravimetry missions like GRACE and GRACE-FO, we estimate ice mass change in Antarctica and Greenland. Additionally, we also use satellite data for geoid modelling and bathymetry inversion. We develop new methods for local ice mass grids, and we are involved in CARIOQA-PMP, a quantum gravimetry in space pathfinder mission. 

Education

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Strategy

  • We are world-renowned experts in moving-base gravity data acquisition and processing from a variety of platforms, such as aircraft, drones and ships. We will continue to strive for excellence in this field, participating in state-of-the-art innovations in cold-atom “quantum” gravimeters and inertial measurement units.

  • We will continue to work with Klimadatastyrelsen (KDS) and other Danish government agencies to maintain and improve the gravity data networks in Denmark and Greenland, and to compute and update gravimetric geoid models in these countries. We will support regional geoid modelling in the frame of NKG. We offer these services to other sovereign nations.
  • We aim to develop our expertise in processing and analysis of the data from satellite gravimetry missions, particularly line-of-sight data which are valuable for monitoring extreme climate events.

  • We want to utilise gravity data for geophysical purposes. We will investigate solid Earth structure from the inversion of gravity and other geophysical data, an activity with both academic and commercial research opportunities.

  • We will build relationships with other like-minded scientific research groups, looking to address the problems humanity faces from climate change and security.

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