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Lerch, F. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Lerch, F. J..

At least 37 records · Page 2
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NASA NTRS1989

Gravitational model improvement at the Goddard Space Flight Center

Major new computations of terrestrial gravitational field models were performed by the Geodynamics Branch of Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This development has incorporated the present state of the art results in satellite geodesy and have relied upon a more consistent set of reference constants than was heretofore utilized in GSFC's GEM models. The solutions are complete in spherical harmonic coefficients out to degree 50 for the gravity field parameters. These models include adjustment for a subset of 66 ocean tidal coefficients for the long wavelength components of 12 major ocean tides. This tidal adjustment was made in the presence of 550 other fixed ocean tidal terms representing 32 major and minor ocean tides and the Wahr frequency dependent solid earth tidal model. In addition 5-day averaged values for Earth rotation and polar motion were derived for the time period of 1980 onward. Two types of models were computed. These are satellite only models relying exclusively on tracking data and combination models which have incorporated satellite altimetry and surface gravity data. The satellite observational data base consists of over 1100 orbital arcs of data on 31 satellites. A large percentage of these observations were provided by third generation laser stations (less than 5 cm). A calibration of the model accuracy of the GEM-T2 satellite only solution indicated that it was a significant improvement over previous models based solely upon tracking data. The rms geoid error for this field is 110 cm to degree and order 36. This is a major advancement over GEM-T1 whose errors were estimated to be 160 cm. An error propagation using the covariances of the GEM-T2 model for the TOPEX radial orbit component indicates that the rms radial errors are expected to be 12 cm. The combination solution, PGS-3337, is a preliminary effort leading to the development of GEM-T3. PGS-3337 has incorporated global sets of surface gravity data and the Seasat altimetry to produce a model complete to (50,50). A solution for the dynamic ocean topography to degree and order 10 was included as part of this adjustment.

Marsh, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

An improved error assessment for the GEM-T1 gravitational model

Several tests were designed to determine the correct error variances for the GEM-T1 gravitational solution which was derived exclusively from satellite tracking data. The basic method employs both wholly independent and dependent subset data solutions and produces a full field coefficient by coefficient estimate of the model uncertainties. The GEM-T1 errors were further analyzed using a method based upon eigenvalue-eigenvector analysis which calibrates the entire covariance matrix. Dependent satellite and independent altimetric and surface gravity data sets, as well as independent satellite deep resonance information, confirm essentially the same error assessment.

Lerch, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Gravity field information from Gravity Probe-B

The Gravity Probe-B Mission will carry the Stanford Gyroscope relativity experiment into orbit in the mid 1990's, as well as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver whose tracking data will be used to study the earth gravity field. Estimates of the likely quality of a gravity field model to be derived from the GPS data are presented, and the significance of this experiment to geodesy and geophysics are discussed.

Smith, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

An improved error assessment for the GEM-T1 gravitational model

Several tests were designed to determine the correct error variances for the Goddard Earth Model (GEM)-T1 gravitational solution which was derived exclusively from satellite tracking data. The basic method employs both wholly independent and dependent subset data solutions and produces a full field coefficient estimate of the model uncertainties. The GEM-T1 errors were further analyzed using a method based upon eigenvalue-eigenvector analysis which calibrates the entire covariance matrix. Dependent satellite and independent altimetric and surface gravity data sets, as well as independent satellite deep resonance information, confirm essentially the same error assessment. These calibrations (utilizing each of the major data subsets within the solution) yield very stable calibration factors which vary by approximately 10 percent over the range of tests employed. Measurements of gravity anomalies obtained from altimetry were also used directly as observations to show that GEM-T1 is calibrated. The mathematical representation of the covariance error in the presence of unmodeled systematic error effects in the data is analyzed and an optimum weighting technique is developed for these conditions. This technique yields an internal self-calibration of the error model, a process which GEM-T1 is shown to approximate.

Lerch, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A new gravitational model for the earth from satellite tracking data - GEM-T1

A computation of a terrestrial gravitational field model called the Goddard Earth Model GEM-T1 is discussed and compared to previous models, including the GEM-L2. The software tools were redesigned for the model, allowing for the optimization of the technique of relative data weighting and model estimation used in GEM solutions. The GEM-T1 model provides a simultaneous solution for a gravity model in spherical harmonics complete to degree and order 36, a subset of 66 ocean tidal coefficients for the long-wavelength components of 12 major tides, and 5-day averaged earth rotation and polar motion parameters for the 1980 period on. GEM-T1 was derived from satellite tracking data acquired on 17 different satellites whose inclinations ranged from 15 degrees to polar. A simulation of the TOPEX/POSEIDON orbit using the covariances of the GEM-T1 model was made. Estimated radial error for the simulation was reduced to less than 30 cm rms.

Marsh, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

An improved model of the Earth's gravitational field: GEM-T1

Goddard Earth Model T1 (GEM-T1), which was developed from an analysis of direct satellite tracking observations, is the first in a new series of such models. GEM-T1 is complete to degree and order 36. It was developed using consistent reference parameters and extensive earth and ocean tidal models. It was simultaneously solved for gravitational and tidal terms, earth orientation parameters, and the orbital parameters of 580 individual satellite arcs. The solution used only satellite tracking data acquired on 17 different satellites and is predominantly based upon the precise laser data taken by third generation systems. In all, 800,000 observations were used. A major improvement in field accuracy was obtained. For marine geodetic applications, long wavelength geoidal modeling is twice as good as in earlier satellite-only GEM models. Orbit determination accuracy has also been substantially advanced over a wide range of satellites that have been tested.

Marsh, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Comments on Lambeck and Coleman - 'The earth's shape and gravity field: A report of progress from 1958 to 1982'

The accuracy and validation of global gravity models based on satellite data are discussed, responding to the statistical analysis of Lambeck and Coleman (1983) (LC). Included are an evaluation of the LC error spectra, a summary of independent-observation calibrations of the error estimates of the Goddard Earth Models (GEM) 9 and L2 (Lerch et al., 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983, and 1985), a comparison of GEM-L2 with GRIM-3B (Reigber et al., 1983), a comparison of recent models with LAGEOS laser ranging, and a summary of resonant-orbit model tests. It is concluded that the accuracy of GEMs 9, 10, and L2 is much higher than claimed by LC, that the GEMs are in good agreement with independent observations and with GRIM-3B, and that the GEM calibrations were adequate. In a reply by LC, a number of specific questions regarding the error estimates are addressed, and it is pointed out that the intermodel discrepancies of the greatest geophysical interest are those in the higher-order coefficients, not discussed in the present comment. It is argued that the differences among the geoid heights of even the most recent models are large enough to call for considerable improvements.

Lerch, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A gravity model for crustal dynamics (GEM-L2)

The Laser Geodynamics Satellite (Lageos) was the first NASA satellite which was placed into orbit exclusively for laser ranging applications. Lageos was designed to permit extremely accurate measurements of the earth's rotation and the movement of the tectonic plates. The Goddard earth model, GEM-L2, was derived mainly on the basis of the precise laser ranging data taken on many satellites. Douglas et al. (1984) have demonstrated the utility of GEM-L2 in detecting the broadest ocean circulations. As Lageos data constitute the most extensive set of satellite laser observations ever collected, the incorporation of 2-1/2 years of these data into the Goddard earth models (GEM) has substantially advanced the geodynamical objectives. The present paper discusses the products of the GEM-L2 solution.

Lerch, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

On the accuracy of recent Goddard gravity models

The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has occupied a central position within NASA with respect to the development of earth gravity models. The gravity models at Goddard, which are referred to as the Goddard earth models (GEM's) have been under development for more than 15 years. The fields have increased in size and (apparent) accuracy with the inclusion of new tracking data, better nongravitational force modeling, and more orbits over a wide range of inclinations and mean motions. The usefulness of the considered models depends largely on accuracy estimates. The present paper is concerned with a reevaluation of earlier accuracy assessments, taking into account the accuracies of the GEM 9 and the GEM-L2 models. It is found that GEM 9 is about 30 percent more accurate than originally estimated in 1979 from older gravimetry data.

Lerch, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Precision geodesy and geodynamics using Starlette laser ranging

The French Starlette satellite, launched in February 1975, was the first satellite specifically designed to minimize the effects of nongravitational forces and to obtain the highest possible accuracy for laser range measurements. It has been found that Starlette represents a valuable complement to the U.S. geodetic satellites. In an analysis of Starlette laser ranging data conducted by Marsh and Williamson (1978), it was concluded that by tailoring a gravity model to a specific satellite and observation period, substantial improvements in data fits and, therefore, in orbit accuracy could be achieved. In the present analyses, a tailored gravity model has been derived for Starlette from the data acquired for the 4-year period, 1975-1978. Attention is given to the solution for geodetic and geodynamic parameters and polar motion.

Marsh, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Verification of the accuracy of GEM-L2 in response to criticism by Lambeck and Coleman

The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of the Goddard Earth Model (GEM)-L2 and its improvement in estimating Lageos orbits in order to provide better baselines for plate tectonics, improved polar motion and Earth rotation. Analyses and comparisons with other models are made to verify accuracy in contrast to the Lambeck and Coleman result which denied the authors' accuracy estimates. The analysis presented completely verifies the accuracy of the GEM-L2 model and disproves the statistical methods of Lambeck and Coleman rejecting the accuracy of GEM-L2 as published in their report. The baselines derived from Lageos with GEM-L2 were estimated to have a 2 cm uncertainty due to the errors in the GEM-L2 gravity model which is supported by the results given. The calibration tests indicate that the errors in GEM-L2 should be reduced by about 30 percent which is in the opposite direction to the result obtained by Lambeck and Coleman.

Lerch, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Status of the geopotential

Satellite laser ranging, satellite altimetry, and improved measurements of surface gravitational anomalies have broadened the data base on intermediate and short wavelength regions of the earth gravity field. The global data set served to develop new geopotential models with a resolution in spherical harmonics out to degree 180. The resolution was made possible using Seasat altimetry data containing 56,761 values of 1 x 1 deg gravity anomalies. Satellite-to-satellite tracking techniques involving the Geos-3 and Apollo spacecraft data for the sea surface temperature have yielded accurate intermediate wavelength gravity variations which correlate well with residual depth anomalies. Oceanic gravity anomalies have been computed directly from satellite altimetry or through statistical estimation using oceanic geoid heights. The data sets for gravimetric geoids have been compared with altimetric surfaces to identify areas which were of interest for geophysical investigation. Future data sets could become available from a proposed satellite-to-satellite Doppler tracking system (Gravsat) launched by NASA.

Lerch, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A refined gravity model from Lageos /GEM-L2/

Lageos satellite laser ranging (SLR) data taken over a 2.5 yr period were employed to develop the Goddard Earth Model GEM-L2, a refined gravity field model. Additional data was gathered with 30 other satellites, resulting in spherical harmonics through degree and order 20, based on over 600,000 measurements. The Lageos data was accurate down to 10 cm, after which the GEM 9 data were used to make adjustments past order 7. The resolution of long wavelength activity, through degree and order 4, was made possible by the Lageos data. The GEM-L2 model features a 20 x 20 geopotential, tracking station coordinates (20), 5-day polar motion and A1-UT1 values, and a GM value of 398,600.607 cu km/sq sec. The accuracy of station positioning has been raised to within 6 cm total position globally and within 1.8 cm in baselines. It is concluded that SLR is useful for measuring tectonic plate motions and inter-plate deformations.

Lerch, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Gravity model improvement using GEOS 3 /GEM 9 and 10/

Although errors in previous gravity models have produced large uncertainties in the orbital position of GEOS 3, significant improvement has been obtained with new geopotential solutions, Goddard Earth Model (GEM) 9 and 10. The GEM 9 and 10 solutions for the potential coefficients and station coordinates are presented along with a discussion of the new techniques employed. Also presented and discussed are solutions for three fundamental geodetic reference parameters, viz. the mean radius of the earth, the gravitational constant, and mean equatorial gravity. Evaluation of the gravity field is examined together with evaluation of GEM 9 and 10 for orbit determination accuracy. The major objectives of GEM 9 and 10 are achieved. GEOS 3 orbital accuracies from these models are about 1 m in their radial components for 5-day arc lengths. Both models yield significantly improved results over GEM solutions when compared to surface gravimetry, Skylab and GEOS 3 altimetry, and highly accurate BE-C (Beacon Explorer-C) laser ranges. The new values of the parameters discussed are given.

Lerch, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Dynamic sea surface topography from GEOS-3 altimetry - Determination of some dominant parameters

The second, third and fourth degree zonal harmonics of the quasi-stationary dynamic sea surface topography can be recovered from the GEOS-3 altimetry despite the adverse levels of noise indicated by the crossover discrepancies generated from the best orbits available at the end of 1977 and the GEOS-3 altimetry. Techniques for modelling the global sea surface topography are discussed along with methods for signal recovery in the presence of significant levels of noise. The analysis also provides a means of defining the geocentricity of the system of reference used in preparing the GEOS-3 ephemeris.

Mather, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Determination of the geocentric gravitational constant from laser ranging on near-earth satellites

Laser range observations taken on the near-earth satellites of Lageos (a = 1.92 e.r.), Starlette (a = 1.15 e.r.), BE-C (a = 1.18 e.r.), and Geos-3 (a = 1.13 e.r.) have been combined to determine an improved value of the geocentric gravitational constant (GM). The value of GM is 398600.61 cu km/sec per sec, based upon a speed of light, c, of 299792.5 km/sec. Using the IAG-adopted value of c equalling 299792.458 km/sec scales GM to 398600.44 cu km/sec per sec. The uncertainty in this value is assessed to be plus or minus 0.02 cu km/sec per sec. Determinations of GM from the data taken on these four satellites individually show variations of only .04 cu km/sec per sec from the combined result. The Lageos information dominated the combined solution, and gave the most consistent results in its data subset solutions. The value obtained for GM from near-earth laser ranging compares quite favorably with the most recent results of the lunar laser and interplanetary experiments.

Lerch, F. J.↗