Solid Earth: Introduction
Abstract
The principles of the solid Earth program are introduced. When considering the study of solid Earth from space, satellites are used as beacons, inertial references, free fall probes and carrying platforms. The phenomenon measured by these satellites and the processes which can be studied as a result of these measurements are tabulated. The NASA solid Earth program focusses on research into surface kinematics, Earth rotation, land, ice, and ocean monitoring. The ESA solid Earth program identifies as its priority the Aristoteles mission for determining the gravity and magnetic field globally, with high spatial resolution and high accuracy. The Aristoteles mission characteristics and goals are listed. The benefits of the improved gravity information that will be provided by this mission are highlighted. This information will help in the following research: geodesy, orbit mechanics, geodynamics, oceanography, climate sea level, and the atmosphere.
- Publication:
-
In ESA
- Pub Date:
- October 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991eouc.rept..209R
- Keywords:
-
- Earth Atmosphere;
- Environment Management;
- Geodesy;
- Geodynamics;
- Geomagnetism;
- Gravitational Fields;
- Mission Planning;
- Oceanography;
- Satellite-Borne Instruments;
- Climate Change;
- European Space Agency;
- Geopotential;
- Programs;
- Sea Level;
- Geophysics