Future satellite gravimetry and earth dynamics : [... a workshop was organized from 30 January to 1 February, 2003 at the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) in Bern/Switzerland ; ESA contract no 3962/01/NL/GS

Currently, a first generation of dedicated satellite missions for the precise mapping of the Earth’s gravity field is in orbit (CHAMP, GRACE, and soon GOCE). The gravity data from these satellite missions provide us with very new information on the dynamics of planet Earth. In particular, on the mass distribution in the Earth’s interior, the entire water cycle (ocean circulation, ice mass balance, continental water masses, and atmosphere), and on changes in the mass distribution. The results are fascinating, but still rough with respect to spatial and temporal resolution. Technical progress in satellite-to-satellite tracking and in gravity gradiometry will allow more detailed results in the future. In this special issue, Earth scientists develop visions of future applications based on follow-on high-precision satellite gravimetry missions. Geoid And Gravity In Earth Sciences – An Overview....Pages 3-11 Future Satellite Gravimetry For Geodesy....Pages 13-29 Challenges From Solid Earth Dynamics For Satellite Gravity Field Missions In The Post-Goce Era....Pages 31-40 Time Variation In Hydrology And Gravity....Pages 41-55 Future Gravity Missions And Quasi-Steady Ocean Circulation....Pages 57-71 Future Benefits Of Time-Varying Gravity Missions To Ocean Circulation Studies....Pages 73-81 Ice Mass Balance And Ice Dynamics From Satellite Gravity Missions....Pages 83-91 Benefits To Studies Of Global Sea Level Changes From Future Space Gravity Missions....Pages 93-102 Gravity And Topography Of Moon And Planets....Pages 103-111 Science Requirements On Future Missions And Simulated Mission Scenarios....Pages 113-142 Impact Of Limitations In Geophysical Background Models On Follow-On Gravity Missions....Pages 143-163

new And More Accurate Techniques For Satellite Gravimetry Will Be Available Soon, With Promising Applications In Earth Sciences. With This Special Issue The Authors Want To Stimulate Discussion Among Earth Scientists On Objectives And Preferences For Future Satellite Gravimetry Missions. This Is An Urgently Needed Discussion. Visions For Follow-on Missions Have To Be Developed Today, If They Are To Be Realized Within 10 Years, Given The Required Preparation Time Of Such Satellite Missions.

The Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) is a small satellite, carrying four scientific instruments to measure the solar radiation incident. This collection of papers describes the SORCE mission, goals, spacecraft, instrument development and calibration, science implications on how the Sun influences Earth's environment, and others