Geodetic Results Research Articles

Space-Time Precursory Features within Ground Velocities and Seismicity in North-Central Italy

Earthquakes cannot be predicted with ultimate precision, so that the progressive reduction of the prediction uncertainty in space and time is an evergreen and challenging task, both from the scientific point of view for the intrinsic complexity of seismic phenomenon and for its high societal relevance. To this aim, algorithms (like CN, M8 and M8S) based on objective recognition of seismicity patterns have been already tested for some decades for intermediate-term middle-range prediction of strong earthquakes above a pre-assigned magnitude threshold. Here, moving from some preliminary ideas, we propose an integrated approach to earthquake prediction, based on the synergy of high-density geodetic observations and seismological information, defining a new paradigm for time dependent hazard assessment scenarios. Through a wider and more refined retrospective analysis, duly involving the accuracy analysis of the newly available geodetic results, space–time precursory features are highlighted within ground velocities and seismicity, analyzing the 2016–2017 seismic crisis in Central Italy and the 2012 Emilia sequence. Overall, it is demonstrated that the proper integration of seismological and geodetic information can achieve what here is called intermediate-term narrow-range earthquake prediction. The extent of the alarmed areas, identified for the strong earthquakes by earthquake prediction algorithms based on seismicity patterns, can be significantly reduced from linear dimensions of a few hundred to a few tens of kilometers, leading to an improved more specific implementation of low-key preventive actions, like those recommended by UNESCO as early as in 1991.

The Tectonics and Active Faulting of Haiti from Seismicity and Tomography

AbstractOblique convergence of the Caribbean and North American plates has partitioned strain across a major transpressional fault system that bisects the island of Hispaniola. The devastating MW 7.0, 2010 earthquake that struck southern Haiti, rupturing an unknown fault, highlighted our limited understanding of regional fault segmentation and its link to plate boundary deformation. Here we assess seismic activity and fault structures across Haiti using data from 33 broadband seismic stations deployed for 16 months. We use traveltime tomography to obtain relocated hypocenters and models of Vp and Vp/Vs crustal structure. Earthquake locations reveal two clusters of seismic activity. The first corresponds to aftershocks of the 2010 earthquake and delineates faults associated with that rupture. The second cluster shows shallow activity north of Lake Enriquillo (Dominican Republic), interpreted to have occurred on a north‐dipping thrust fault. Crustal seismic velocities show a narrow low‐velocity region with an increased Vp/Vs ratio (1.80–1.85) dipping underneath the Massif de la Selle, which coincides with a southward‐dipping zone of hypocenters to a depth of 20 km beneath southern Haiti. Our observations of seismicity and crustal structure in southern Haiti suggests a transition in the Enriquillo fault system from a near vertical strike‐slip fault along the Southern Peninsula to a southward‐dipping oblique‐slip fault along the southern border of the Cul‐de‐Sac‐Enriquillo basin. This result, consistent with recent geodetic results but at odds with the classical seismotectonic interpretation of the Enriquillo fault system, is an important constraint in our understanding of regional seismic hazard.

Modern Geodetic Measurement Techniques in Gravimetric Studies on the Example of Gypsum Karst in the Siesławice Region

In the region of Siesławice (near Busko-Zdrój, Poland) there are unique phenomena of gypsum karst. Atmospheric factors caused numerous gypsum outcrops, canals and underground voids. The article presents the possibility of using non-invasive gravimetric surveys supplemented with geodetic measurements to illustrate karst changes occurring around the void. The use of modern geodetic measurement techniques including terrestrial and airborne laser scanning enables to generate a digital terrain model and a three-dimensional model of voids. Gravimetric field studies allowed to map the anomalies of the gravitational field of the near-surface zone. Geodetic measurement results have made it possible to accurately determine the terrain correction that supplemented the gravimetric anomaly information. Geophysical interpretation indicate the presence of weathered rocks in the near surface zone and fractures and loosened zones located surround the karst cave.

Automated and dynamic scheduling for geodetic VLBI – A simulation study for AuScope and global networks

As we move into the next era of geodetic VLBI, the scheduling process is one focus for improvement in terms of increased flexibility and the ability to react with changing conditions. A range of simulations were conducted to ascertain the impact of scheduling on geodetic results such as Earth Orientation Parameters (EOPs) and station coordinates. The potential capabilities of new automated scheduling modes were also simulated, using the so-called ‘dynamic scheduling’ technique. The primary aim was to improve efficiency for both cost and time without losing geodetic precision, particularly to maximise the uses of the Australian AuScope VLBI array.We show that short breaks in observation will not significantly degrade the results of a typical 24 h experiment, whereas simply shortening observing time degrades precision exponentially. We also confirm the new automated, dynamic scheduling mode is capable of producing the same standard of result as a traditional schedule, with close to real-time flexibility. Further, it is possible to use the dynamic scheduler to augment the 3 station Australian AuScope array and thereby attain EOPs of the current global precision with only intermittent contribution from 2 additional stations. We thus confirm automated, dynamic scheduling bears great potential for flexibility and automation in line with aims for future continuous VLBI operations.

MODELS AND TECHNIQUES IN GEODETIC MONITORING OF TECTONIC DEFORMATIONS IN GREECE

The assessment and interpretation of the geodetic results regarding the detection of possible spatial displacements and the deformation parameters have to be combined with a realistic geophysical model for the area. Usually, this study is carried out by fitting the geodetic data to a polynomial function, which is considered sufficient to describe adequately the deformation pattern. In terms of the computational steps needed, this polynomial fitting can be accomplished simultaneously by the analysis of the geodetic observations in a dynamic adjustment or non simultaneously in a sequential approach. The main goal of this article is to give a short description of the related methods and to present rigorous processing strategies for the analysis of GNSS observations from continuously permanent stations in order to create a modern and improved geodetic velocity field for Greece. Emphasis is given on the reference frame definition problem.

The unrest of the San Miguel volcano (El Salvador, Central America): installation of the monitoring network and observed volcano-tectonic ground deformation

Abstract. On 29 December 2013, the Chaparrastique volcano in El Salvador, close to the town of San Miguel, erupted suddenly with explosive force, forming a column more than 9 km high and projecting ballistic projectiles as far as 3 km away. Pyroclastic density currents flowed to the north-northwest side of the volcano, while tephras were dispersed northwest and north-northeast. This sudden eruption prompted the local Ministry of Environment to request cooperation with Italian scientists in order to improve the monitoring of the volcano during this unrest. A joint force, made up of an Italian team from the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia and a local team from the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, was organized to enhance the volcanological, geophysical and geochemical monitoring system to study the evolution of the phenomenon during the crisis. The joint team quickly installed a multiparametric mobile network comprising seismic, geodetic and geochemical sensors (designed to cover all the volcano flanks from the lowest to the highest possible altitudes) and a thermal camera. To simplify the logistics for a rapid installation and for security reasons, some sensors were colocated into multiparametric stations. Here, we describe the prompt design and installation of the geodetic monitoring network, the processing and results. The installation of a new ground deformation network can be considered an important result by itself, while the detection of some crucial deforming areas is very significant information, useful for dealing with future threats and for further studies on this poorly monitored volcano.

Application and validation of long-range terrestrial laser scanning to monitor the mass balance of very small glaciers in the Swiss Alps

Abstract. Due to the relative lack of empirical field data, the response of very small glaciers (here defined as being smaller than 0.5 km2) to current atmospheric warming is not fully understood yet. Investigating their mass balance, e.g. using the direct glaciological method, is a prerequisite to fill this knowledge gap. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) techniques operating in the near infrared range can be applied for the creation of repeated high-resolution digital elevation models and consecutive derivation of annual geodetic mass balances of very small glaciers. This method is promising, as laborious and potentially dangerous field measurements as well as the inter- and extrapolation of point measurements can be circumvented. However, it still needs to be validated. Here, we present TLS-derived annual surface elevation and geodetic mass changes for five very small glaciers in Switzerland (Glacier de Prapio, Glacier du Sex Rouge, St. Annafirn, Schwarzbachfirn, and Pizolgletscher) and two consecutive years (2013/14–2014/15). The scans were acquired with a long-range Riegl VZ®-6000 especially designed for surveying snow- and ice-covered terrain. Zonally variable conversion factors for firn and bare ice surfaces were applied to convert geodetic volume to mass changes. We compare the geodetic results to direct glaciological mass balance measurements coinciding with the TLS surveys and assess the uncertainties and errors included in both methods. Average glacier-wide mass balances were negative in both years, showing stronger mass losses in 2014/15 (−1.65 m w.e.) compared to 2013/14 (−0.59 m w.e.). Geodetic mass balances were slightly less negative but in close agreement with the direct glaciological ones (R2 = 0.91). Due to the dense in situ measurements, the uncertainties in the direct glaciological mass balances were small compared to the majority of measured glaciers worldwide (±0.09 m w.e. yr−1 on average), and similar to uncertainties in the TLS-derived geodetic mass balances (±0.13 m w.e. yr−1).

Demonstration of the Cascadia G‐FAST Geodetic Earthquake Early Warning System for the Nisqually, Washington, Earthquake

ABSTRACT A prototype earthquake early warning (EEW) system is currently in development in the Pacific Northwest. We have taken a two‐stage approach to EEW: (1) detection and initial characterization using strong‐motion data with the Earthquake Alarm Systems (ElarmS) seismic early warning package and (2) the triggering of geodetic modeling modules using Global Navigation Satellite Systems data that help provide robust estimates of large‐magnitude earthquakes. In this article we demonstrate the performance of the latter, the Geodetic First Approximation of Size and Time (G‐FAST) geodetic early warning system, using simulated displacements for the 2001 M w 6.8 Nisqually earthquake. We test the timing and performance of the two G‐FAST source characterization modules, peak ground displacement scaling, and Centroid Moment Tensor‐driven finite‐fault‐slip modeling under ideal, latent, noisy, and incomplete data conditions. We show good agreement between source parameters computed by G‐FAST with previously published and postprocessed seismic and geodetic results for all test cases and modeling modules, and we discuss the challenges with integration into the U.S. Geological Survey’s ShakeAlert EEW system.

MESSENGER observations of induced magnetic fields in Mercury's core

AbstractOrbital data from the Magnetometer on the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft allow investigation of magnetic fields induced at the top of Mercury's core by time‐varying magnetospheric fields. We used 15 Mercury years of observations of the magnetopause position as well as the magnetic field inside the magnetosphere to establish the presence and magnitude of an annual induction signal. Our results indicate an annual change in the internal axial dipole term, g10, of 7.5 to 9.5 nT. For negligible mantle conductivity, the average annual induction signal provides an estimate of Mercury's core radius to within ±90 km, independent of geodetic results. Larger induction signals during extreme events are expected but are challenging to identify because of reconnection‐driven erosion. Our results indicate that the magnetopause reaches the dayside planetary surface 1.5–4% of the time.

Lake-level variations and tides in Lago Argentino, Patagonia: insights from pressure tide gauge records

Based on precise pressure tide gauge observations lake-level records are derived for two sites in Lago Argentino, southern Patagonia, of 2.5 and 1 years of duration. Applying the tools of time series analysis, the principal processes affecting the lake level are identified and quantified. Lake-level changes reflecting variations in lake volume are dominated by a seasonal cycle of 1.2 m in amplitude. Lake-volume changes occur in addition with a daily period in response to melt water influx from surrounding glaciers. Sporadic lake-volume jumps are caused by bursting of the ice dam of Perito Moreno glacier. Water movements in Lago Argentino are dominated by surface seiches reaching 20 cm in amplitude. Lake tides reach a maximum amplitude of 3 mm. The comparison of the tidal signal extracted from the lake-level observations with a model composed of the contributions of body tide and ocean tidal loading indicates a phase shift of 23° which is most likely explained by an 1 hour phase lag of global ocean tide models in the region of the highly fragmented Pacific coast. The comparison of the obtained results with those of a previous study of Lago Fagnano, Tierra del Fuego, allows to relate differences in the hydrological and hydrodynamic processes between both lakes to morphological properties. This leads to a tentative prediction of the lake-level variability to be expected from other great Patagonian lakes. The presented geodetic results shall serve as a starting point for a detailed limnological investigation of these aquatic ecosystems.

Strain patterns along the Kaparelli–Asopos rift (central Greece) from campaign GPS data

<p>We present results from four GPS campaigns in the broader Kaparelli–Asopos area in central Greece. This area is undergoing extension as demonstrated by seismological, geodetic and geological data. The east-west striking Kaparelli normal fault ruptured during the March 4, 1981, M = 6.3 earthquake and created km-long surface breaks with the downthrown side to the south. The geodetic results include: determination of station coordinates in the ITRF 2005 frame, computation of station velocities with respect to stable Europe and strain rate tensor estimates. The pattern of velocities along the east-west direction (parallel to the rift axis; 40 km E-W × 12 km N-S) and azimuth of strain axes are compared to geological data and to other GPS results in central Greece. We find that strain in this region consists of an amount of shortening (66 ns/yr) in the direction approximately N 58°E, and about three times more extension (187 ns/yr) at N 32°W. A large change in strain orientation (from NW to NNE) is observed from west to east, along the active faults of Asopos rift in agreement with fault slip data. This change signifies the need for using local GPS networks to map local strain rate patterns in actively extending regions of Greece.</p>

The accuracy with which coordinates of radio telescopes can be estimated using VLBI observations

Methods for external estimation of the accuracy of geodetic parameters (the coordinates of radio telescopes) based on VLBI observations are discussed. Time series of the distances between radio telescopes (baselines) provide the observational material for the analysis. It is shown that the generally accepted model for estimating the accuracy of geodetic results is based on unjustified assumptions, and does not adequately describe the results of geodetic observations. A more flexible parametrical model is proposed, which takes into account the non-uniformity in the accuracies with which geodetic parameters for different stations can be estimated, and more adequately describes the observational data. The evolution of the Svetloe-Badary and Zelenchuk-Badary baselines in 2007–2012 is analyzed in detail. The Badary VLBI station located near Irkutsk is moving away from the other two stations, located in the European part of Russia, at a rate of 3–4 mm/year.

Seismic anisotropy from the Variscan core of Iberia to the Western African Craton: New constrains on upper mantle flow at regional scales

The regional mantle flow beneath the westernmost Mediterranean basin and its transition to the Atlantic domain is addressed by inspecting the anisotropic properties of the mantle. More than 100 new sites, from the Variscan core of Iberia to the northern rim of the Western African Craton, are now investigated using the data provided by different temporary and permanent broad-band seismic arrays. Our main objective is to provide a larger regional framework to the results recently presented along the Gibraltar Arc in order to check the validity of the different geodynamic interpretations proposed so far.The significant variations in the retrieved anisotropic parameters suggest that different processes must be invoked to explain the origin of the observed anisotropy. Beneath the Variscan units of the Central Iberian Massif the new results show a moderate amount of anisotropy with fast polarization directions (FPD) oriented close to E–W. Those results can only be explained in terms of global mantle flow if models accounting for contributions from surface plate motion, net lithosphere rotation and density variations are taken into consideration. One of the major results presented is the significant number of good quality data without evidence of anisotropy (“nulls”) observed beneath permanent stations in southern Portugal. Those “nulls” can be explained by the presence of a predominantly vertical mantle flow associated to large variations in the lithospheric thickness. Beneath the Gibraltar Arc the FPD show a spectacular rotation, evidenced by the results presented by Díaz et al. (2010) and Miller et al. (2013). Those results are reviewed here taking also into consideration the geodynamic modeling presented recently by Alpert et al. (2013) and other geophysical and geodetic results. Further South, the analysis of new broad-band stations installed in the Moroccan Meseta and the High Atlas show a small degree on anisotropy and a large number of “null” events, pointing again to the presence of vertical flow in the mantle.The results favor an asthenospheric origin related to present-day mantle flow for the anisotropy observed from the Variscan core of Iberia to the northern rim of the West African Craton. This flow is deflected around the high velocity slab beneath the Gibraltar Arc and seems affected locally by vertical flow associated to edge-driven convective cells. The presence of significant backazimuthal variations in the anisotropic parameters retrieved from single events suggests that a second order contribution from an anisotropic layer within the lithosphere may also exist.

Rates of geodetic deformation across active faults in southern Italy

Abstract Active deformation in southern Italy is accommodated by a distributed number of faults with low–moderate slip rates. Outcropping extensional faults and mostly blind transcurrent faults are mapped within a western (or axial) and an eastern domain, respectively. We use a combination of continuous (2001.00–2011.84) and episodic (1995.68–2010.79) GNSS observations to firstly estimate the geodetic deformation rate on 32 faults. Geodetic results were successively compared with geological displacement estimates. In agreement with seismological and geological information, a net spatial segregation emerges between the extensional axial belt, and the eastern domain where strike–slip faults are geodetically active. Although uncertainties are at times large, average displacement rates show broadly consistent patterns within both domains. A longitudinal gradient in extension rate is observed for the axial fault array, with two sectors of higher magnitude (~ 0.8–1.7 mm/yr for individual faults). This result is consistent with geological observations and supports the notion that extension occurs in discrete patches. Faults of the eastern domain have lower (few 0.1 to ~ 1.2 mm/yr) strike–slip rates and an eastward-decreasing extensional component, but significant geodetic displacement is detected in areas lacking clear evidence of activity. Few faults with 1–2 mm/yr extension rate are locally found in the eastern domain, but, based on their limited length and on inconsistency with seismology and geology, they are considered as due to deep-seated gravitational spreading. For crustal faults, although geodetic slip and moment rates are larger than geological rates, the broad trend of long- to short-term rates is similar, indicating the feasibility of geodetic analysis to contribute estimating fault slip rate and testing tectonic models in the region. Whereas the western domain extension is thought to be controlled by potential energy related to the Tyrrhenian Moho uplift beneath the Apennines, strike–slip in the east is related to shear on inherited faults within the Adriatic crust.

Magma storage and migration associated with the 2011–2012 El Hierro eruption: Implications for crustal magmatic systems at oceanic island volcanoes

Starting in July 2011, anomalous seismicity was observed at El Hierro Island, a young oceanic island volcano. On 12 October 2011, the process led to the beginning of a submarine NW‐SE fissural eruption at ~15 km from the initial earthquake loci, indicative of significant lateral magma migration. Here we conduct a multifrequency, multisensor interferometric analysis of spaceborne radar images acquired using three different satellite systems (RADARSAT‐2, ENVISAT, and COSMO‐SkyMed (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean Basin Observation)). The data fully captures both the pre‐eruptive and coeruptive phases. Elastic modeling of the ground deformation is employed to constrain the dynamics associated with the magmatic activity. This study represents the first geodetically constrained active magmatic plumbing system model for any of the Canary Islands volcanoes, and one of the few examples of submarine volcanic activity to date. Geodetic results reveal two spatially distinct shallow (crustal) magma reservoirs, a deeper central source (9.5 ± 4.0 km), and a shallower magma reservoir at the flank of the southern rift (4.5 ± 2.0 km). The deeper source was recharged, explaining the relatively long basaltic eruption, contributing to the observed island‐wide uplift processes, and validating proposed active magma underplating. The shallowest source may be an incipient reservoir that facilitates fractional crystallization as observed at other Canary Islands. Data from this eruption supports a relationship between the depth of the shallow crustal magmatic systems and the long‐term magma supply rate and oceanic lithospheric age. Such a relationship implies that a factor controlling the existence/depth of shallow (crustal) magmatic systems in oceanic island volcanoes is the lithosphere thermomechanical behavior.

Millennial slip rates of the Tazang fault, the eastern termination of Kunlun fault: Implications for strain partitioning in eastern Tibet

The way of slip transformation and strain partitioning at the eastern termination of the Kunlun fault system remains unclear, and the question of whether this fault system is an important part for lateral extrusion of Tibetan crust is debatable. The Tazang fault is regarded as the easternmost continuation of the Kunlun fault system, and its late Quaternary activity is unknown. In this paper, we use displaced geomorphic features combined with radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to determine millennial slip rates along the Tazang fault. Our data yield a 1.4–3.2 mm/yr left-slip rate on the western Tazang fault, similar to that on the Maqu segment of the Kunlun fault. Tectonic geomorphology proposes that displacement on the Kunlun fault is probably transferred to the Tazang fault via a pull-apart basin. The eastern Tazang fault has a dominant reverse motion that decreases eastward from ~ 1.5 mm/yr to 0.2–0.3 mm/yr at the easternmost part. Displaced terraces indicate that the eastern strand of the northern Longriba fault is active in the Holocene and has a ~ 0.8 mm/yr right-lateral slip rate with a ~ 0.3 mm/yr reverse component. Millennial slip rates and geodetic results show that the decrease of left-lateral motion along the Tazang fault is mainly transformed into crustal shortening along the nearly N–S-trending Longriba, Minjiang, and Huya faults, probably resulting in uplift of the Min Shan. Our results also indicate that the deformation along the Tazang fault is not transferred to beyond the border of the plateau, and the Kunlun fault is not an important tectonics for Tibetan extrusion.

Mitigating the effects of vertical land motion in tide gauge records using a state-of-the-art GPS velocity field

This study aims to correct for long-term vertical land motions at tide gauges (TG) by estimating high-accurate GPS vertical velocities at co-located stations (GPS@TG), useful for long-term sea-level change studies and satellite altimeter drift monitoring. Global Positioning System (GPS) data reanalyses are mandatory when aiming at the highest consistency of the estimated products for the whole data period. The University of La Rochelle Consortium (ULR) has carried out several GPS data reanalysis campaigns with an increasing tracking network, an improving processing strategy and the best methodology. The geodetic results from the latest GPS velocity field estimated at ULR (named ULR5) are presented here. The velocity field includes 326 globally distributed GPS stations, from which 200 are GPS@TG (30% more than previous studies). The new GPS data processing strategy, the terrestrial frame definition and the velocity estimation procedures are described. The quality of the estimated vertical velocities is empirically assessed through internal and external velocity comparisons, including the analysis of the time-correlated noise content of the position time series, to be better than 0.6mm/yr (2 sigma). The application of this velocity field is illustrated to appraise to what extent vertical land motions contaminate the estimates of satellite altimetry drifts. The impact on the altimeter-derived sea level trends was evaluated to be up to 0.6mm/yr. Worldwide TGs were grouped into regions in order to explore long-term spatial sea level variability in the rates of sea level change. By taking into account the vertical land motion of the tide gauges, the dispersion of the observed sea level rates within each region was reduced by 60%. Long-term regional mean sea level variations up to 70% from the global mean were found.

Strain and stress fields along the Gibraltar Orogenic Arc: Constraints on active geodynamics

The Gibraltar Orogenic Arc, in the Western Mediterranean, represents a complex region of active deformation related to the oblique Nubia–Eurasia convergence process. To increase the knowledge on the ongoing active processes in this region, we have used the most up-to-date and comprehensive geodetic crustal motion and stress fields. To this end, we analyzed both continuous and campaign-mode GPS data collected between 1999.00 and 2011.00 across the area and compiled a multidisciplinary dataset of well-constrained stress indicators to be compared with the geodetic results. The main results highlight the oblique nature of the Nubia–Eurasia convergence, which provides the largest component of the observed stress-pattern and is responsible for a significant strain-rate field along the Gibraltar Orogenic Arc. We discuss our findings with respect to available geological, seismological and geophysical data in order to verify their coherency compared to more relevant geodynamical models proposed in literature. According to previous studies, we confirmed how much of the secondary stress-pattern can be related to the gravitational potential energy field, which may also be responsible for some 2D stress–strain-rate angular discrepancies observed in large areas of the Betics. In addition, taking into account the sub-orthogonal azimuthal relationship between the SHmax and εhmin directions and the Fast Polarization Directions, we conjectured a deep dynamic process controlling both the crustal stress field and the surface deformation on large areas of the orogenic arc. Finally, although the models proposed to explain the geodynamic pattern of the Gibraltar Orogenic Arc are supported by a discrete number of geological and geophysical observations, it is only the back-arc extension and westward rollback model that is able to adequately account for the vast majority of the observations. Based on our findings and other evidences, we retain that this process could still be active beneath the Gibraltar Orogenic Arc.

Refining DORIS atmospheric drag estimation in preparation of ITRF2008

In preparation of ITRF2008, all geodetic technique services (VLBI, SLR, GPS and DORIS) are generating new solutions based on combination of individual analysis centers solutions. These data reprocessing are based on a selection of models, parameterization and estimation strategy unique to each analysis center and to each technique. While a good agreement can be found for models between groups, thanks to the existence of the IERS conventions, a great diversity still exist for parameter estimation, allowing possible future improvements in this direction. The goal of this study is to focus on the atmospheric drag estimation used to generate the new DORIS/IGN ignwd08 time series prepared for ITRF2008. We develop here a method to inter-compare different processing strategies. In a first step, by analyzing single-satellite solutions for a few weeks of data but for a large number of possible analysis strategies, we demonstrate that estimating drag coefficient more frequently (typically every 1–2 h instead of previously every 4–8 h) for the lowest DORIS satellites (SPOTs and Envisat) provides better geodetic results for station coordinates and polar motion. This new processing strategy also solved earlier problem found when processing DORIS data during intense geomagnetic events, such as geomagnetic storms. Differences between drag estimation strategies can mostly be found during these few specific periods of extreme geomagnetic activity (few days per year). In such a case, when drag coefficient is only estimated every 6 h or less often for single-satellite solution, a significant degradation in station coordinate accuracy can be observed (120 mm vs. 20 mm) and significant biases arose in polar motion estimation (5 mas vs. 0.3 mas). In a second step, we reprocessed a full year of DORIS data (2003) in a standard multi-satellite mode. We were able to provide statistics on a more reliable data set and to strengthen these conclusions. Our proposed DORIS analysis is easy to implement in all software packages and is now already used by several analysis centers of the International DORIS Service (IDS) when submitting reprocessed solutions for ITRF2008.

Geometric changes and mass balance of the Austfonna ice cap, Svalbard

Abstract. The dynamics and mass balance regime of the Austfonna ice cap, the largest glacier on Svalbard, deviates significantly from most other glaciers in the region and is not fully understood. We have compared ICESat laser altimetry, airborne laser altimetry, GNSS surface profiles and radio echo-sounding data to estimate elevation change rates for the periods 1983–2007 and 2002–2008. The data sets indicate a pronounced interior thickening of up to 0.5 m y−1, at the same time as the margins are thinning at a rate of 1–3 m y−1. The southern basins are thickening at a higher rate than the northern basins due to a higher accumulation rate. The overall volume change in the 2002–2008 period is estimated to be −1.3±0.5 km3 w.e. y−1 (or −0.16±0.06 m w.e. y−1) where the entire net loss is due to a rapid retreat of the calving fronts. Since most of the marine ice loss occurs below sea level, Austfonna's current contribution to sea level change is close to zero. The geodetic results are compared to in-situ mass balance measurements which indicate that the 2004–2008 surface net mass balance has been slightly positive (0.05 m w.e. y−1) though with large annual variations. Similarities between local net mass balances and local elevation changes indicate that most of the ice cap is slow-moving and not in dynamic equilibrium with the current climate. More knowledge is needed about century-scale dynamic processes in order to predict the future evolution of Austfonna based on climate scenarios.