Improving atmospheric pressure vertical correction model using Gaussian function

Abstract

The Zenith Hydrostatic Delay (ZHD) is essential for high-precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) data processing. Accurate estimation of ZHD relies on in situ atmospheric pressure, which is primarily variable in the vertical direction. Current atmospheric pressure is either site-specific or has limited spatial coverage, necessitating vertical corrections for broader applicability. This study introduces a model that uses a Gaussian function for the vertical correction of atmospheric pressure when in situ meteorological observations are unavailable. Validation with the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis (ERA5) reveals an average Bias and RMS for the new model of 0.31 hPa and 2.96 hPa, respectively. This corresponds to improvements of 37.5% and 80.3% in terms of RMS compared to two commonly used models (T0 and Tv models) that require in situ meteorological observations, respectively. Additional validation with radiosonde data shows an average Bias and RMS of 1.85 hPa and 4.87 hPa, corresponding to the improvement of 42.8% and 71.1% in RMS compared with T0 and Tv models, respectively. These accuracies are sufficient for calculating ZHD to an accuracy of 1 mm by performing atmospheric pressure vertical correction. The new model can correct atmospheric pressure from meteorological stations or numerical weather forecasts to different heights of the troposphere.