The prospects of integrated use of high-precision geometric and GNSS leveling for studying neotectonic processes at geodynamic polygons

Abstract

This article presents the development of a methodology for determining the deviation of straight lines using high-precision leveling and GNSS measurements, its estimated accuracy, and the justification of technological parameters for constructing geodynamic testing grounds. This problem is essential in the geodetic and geophysical fields since changes in the shape of the equipotential surface may indicate a redistribution of mass in the Earth's crust and other natural phenomena. Studying this problem using the proposed methodology can provide insight into the main geological processes, gravitational potentials, and neotectonic processes. Monitoring of changes and deformation of the Earth's surface is of great importance for understanding solid processes on the Earth, especially those caused or intensified by anthropogenic activities, which currently pose global challenges to humanity. The study presents the analysis of the existing methods for determining the change in the shape of the equipotential surface. It substantiates the advantages of using high-precision leveling and GNSS measurements to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. The calculation formulas for estimating the accuracy of determining the deviation of straight lines with the possibility of studying the shape of equipotential surfaces with millimeter accuracy are proposed. The methodology and technological parameters have been developed, which can be used to determine the change in the deviation of a straight line on geodynamic polygons with an accuracy of 0.1-0.2". Also, the possibility of using the research results to determine changes in the shape of equipotential surfaces is theoretically substantiated. Namely, changes in their radii of curvature are associated with the possibility of predicting neotectonic processes according to modern scientific hypotheses. Keywords: deviation of straight lines; global navigation satellite systems; geometric leveling; orthometric excesses; geoid, geodetic heights.