Terms of Reference and Objectives

The subjects of study that the Sub-commission supports and promotes can be summarized, without claim to completeness, as follows. Research work in the spatial domain concentrates on:

- Global and regional gravity modeling

- Topographic/isostatic modeling

- Downward and upward continuation problems

- Boundary value problem approaches

- Spectral techniques like (but not limited to) spherical harmonics

- Height theory and height systems

- Geodetic aspects of satellite radar altimetry

Studies in the temporal domain of the gravity field include, among others, the following:

- Tides

- The effect of postglacial land uplift

- Time derivatives of the J_n

- Short/medium term gravity change due to movements of air and water

- Anthropogenic gravity changes

To meet these goals, the Sub-commission invites the establishment of Special Study Groups (SSG’s) on relevant topics, promotes and organizes special sessions at IAG Symposia and other conferences, and reports on the research work in these areas of interest.