Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “geodetics”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 217 records · Page 12

Measurements of strain at plate boundaries using space based geodetic techniques

We have used the space based geodetic techniques of Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and VLBI to study strain along subduction and transform plate boundaries and have interpreted the results using a simple elastic dislocation model. Six stations located behind island arcs were analyzed as representative of subduction zones while 13 sites located on either side of the San Andreas fault were used for the transcurrent zones. The length deformation scale was then calculated for both tectonic margins by fitting the relative strain to an exponentially decreasing function of distance from the plate boundary. Results show that space-based data for the transcurrent boundary along the San Andreas fault help to define better the deformation length scale in the area while fitting nicely the elastic half-space earth model. For subduction type bonndaries the analysis indicates that there is no single scale length which uniquely describes the deformation. This is mainly due to the difference in subduction characteristics for the different areas.

Robaudo, Stefano↗

Geodetic measurement of deformation in the Ventura basin region, southern California

We have measured the deformation in the Ventura basin region, southern California, with Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements carried out over 4.6 years between 1987 and 1992. The deformation within our network is spatically variable on scales of tens of kilometers, with strain rates reaching 0.6 +/- 1 micro-rad/yr in the east-central basin. Blocklike rotations are observed south and northwest of the basin where the maximum shear strain rates are an order of magnitude lower (0.06 +/- 1 micro-rad/yr to the south). We also observed clockwise rotations of 1 deg - 7 deg/m.y. Shear strain rates determined by comparing angle changes from historical triangulation spanning several decades and GPS measurements give consistent, though less precise, results. The geodetic rates of shortening across the basin and Western Transverse Ranges are lower than those estimated from geological observations, but the patterns of deformation from the two methods agree qualitatively.

Donnellan, Andrea↗

Error modeling for GPS geodetic applications

An extensive investigation was conducted to provide realistic error models for Global Positioning System (GPS) related numerical simulation. This study considers most of the important error sources for measurement and dynamic models which are currently being used for GPS geodetic applications. These error models were evaluated by comparing with real GPS data.

Rim, Hyung Jin↗

Studies of Error Sources in Geodetic VLBI

Achieving the goal of millimeter uncertainty in three dimensional geodetic positioning on a global scale requires significant improvement in the precision and accuracy of both random and systematic error sources. For this investigation we proposed to study errors due to instrumentation in Very Long Base Interferometry (VLBI) and due to the atmosphere. After the inception of this work we expanded the scope to include assessment of error sources in GPS measurements, especially as they affect the vertical component of site position and the measurement of water vapor in the atmosphere. The atmosphere correction 'improvements described below are of benefit to both GPS and VLBI.

Rogers, A. E. E.↗

Geodetic Observations of Interseismic Strain Segmentation at the Sumatra Subduction Zone

Deformation above the Sumatra subduction zone, revealed by Global Positioning System (GPS) geodetic surveys, shows nearly complete coupling of the forearc to the subducting plate south of 0.5 deg S and half as much to north. The abrupt change in plate coupling coincides with the boundary between the rupture zones of the 1833 and 1861 (Mw greater than 8) thrust earthquakes. The rupture boundary appears as an abrupt change in strain accumulation well into the interseismic cycle, suggesting that seismic segmentation is controlled by properties of the plate interface that persist occupied through more than one earthquake cycle. Structural evidence indicates that differences in basal shear stress may be related to elevated pore pressure in the north.

Prawirodirdjo, L.↗

Pre-Launch Testing of GPS Receivers for Geodetic Space Missions

The methodology used and the results obtained in the pre-flight testing of the Blackjack Global Positioning System (GPS) space receiver for the Vegetation Canopy Lidar Mission (VCL) and the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) spacecraft is described. Both real and simulated signals were used to: (1) assess the accuracy and coverage of the navigation solutions, (2) assess the accuracy and stability of the 1-PPS timing signal, (3) assess the precision of the carrier phase observable, and (4) measure the cold-start time to first fix. In addition, an anechoic chamber was used to measure the antenna phase centers with millimeter-level precision. While the test results have generally been excellent and are discussed in this paper, emphasis is placed on describing the test methodology. It is anticipated that future geodetic satellite missions using GPS for navigation, timing, and precise orbit determination (POD) can employ the same tests for pre-launch performance assessment of their particular receiver.

Davis, George↗

Determination of Martian Northern Polar Insolation Levels Using a Geodetic Elevation Model

Solar insolation levels at the Martian polar caps bear significantly on the seasonal and climatic cycling of volatiles on that planet. In the northern hemisphere, the Martian surface slopes downhill from the equator to the pole such that the north polar cap is situated in a 5-km-deep hemispheric-scale depression. This large-scale topographic setting plays an important role in the insolation of the northern polar cap. Elevations measured by the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) provide comprehensive, high-accuracy topographical information required to precisely determine polar insolation. In this study, we employ a geodetic elevation model to quantify the north polar insolation and consider implications for seasonal and climatic changes. Additional information is contained in original extended abstract.

Arrell, J. R.↗

Global Digital Image Mosaics of Mars: Assessment of Geodetic Accuracy

A revised global image mosaic of Mars (MDIM 2.0) was recently completed by USGS. Comparison with high-resolution gridded Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) digital image mosaics will allow us to quantify its geodetic errors; linking the next MDIM to the MOLA data will help eliminate those errors. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Kirk, R.↗

Geodetic Results from Mark 4 VLBI

We present geodetic results of a series of 30 VLBI experiments recorded in Mark 4 mode at rates of 128 and 256 Mbps. The formal uncertainties of UT1, polar motion, and nutation offsets derived from these experiments are better than the corresponding uncertainties from NEOS-A experiments by a factor of 1.3-2. Baseline length repeatability for the series of 32 experiments over a period of one year is about 0.9 ppb. For comparison, NEOS-A length repeatability is about 1.4 ppb. We will discuss optimal use of Mark 4 in the design of future observing networks.

MacMillan, Daniel↗

Martian Global-scale Seasonal CO2 Change: Comparison of Geodetic Observations and Numerical Simulations

The Martian atmosphere exhibits an annual cycle in the CO2 concentration; as much as 30% of the atmosphere takes part in seasonal exchange of mass between the atmosphere and the seasonal polar caps. The signature of this global-scale annual cycle can be found in the variation of gravitational field. This information can be used to estimate the global scale seasonal mass and atmospheric pressure variations. With recent Mars Global Surveyor mission, global scale CO2 change in polar caps has been estimated by several authors. Although similar geodetic data are used, the results vary due to the differences in the approximations made. In the present study, these approaches are discussed and the polar mass changes are estimated. The results are compared with the values given by two Martian Global Circulation Models (GCM) as well as observations.

O Karatekin↗

DORIS as a potential part of a global geodetic observing system

We have processed all available DORIS data from all available satellites, except JASON over the past 10 years. Weekly solutions have been produced for stations positions coordinates, geocenter motion and scale factor stability. We present here the current accuracy presently achievable for all types of potential geodetic products.

DORIS Fairbanks Terrestrial Reference Frame GPS↗

Analysis of a Possible Future Degradation in the DORIS Geodetic Results Related to Changes in the Satellite Constellation

This viewgraph presentation reviews the consequences of losing one or more of the 4 remaining Doppler & Ranging Information System (DORIS) satellites and any impact such a loss might have on geodesy. The goals of this program are to analyze the sensitivity of the current DORIS geodetic results (station position and polar motion) to the size of the DORIS constellation and to verify if some satellites are most important or less important than others. The conclusions of the study are summarized.

performance↗

Simeiz VLBI Station - Geodetic and Astrophysical Study

This report gives an overview about the geodetic VLBI activities at the Simeiz station. It also summarizes the seasonal and long-term variability of the Black Sea level near Yalta, Odessa, Ochakov, and Katsively.

Volvach, A. E.↗

Geodetic Observatory Wettzell - 20-m Radio Telescope and Twin Telescope

In the year 2012, the 20-m radio telescope at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell, Germany again contributed very successfully to the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry observing program. Technical changes, developments, improvements, and upgrades were made to increase the reliability of the entire VLBI observing system. In parallel, the new Twin radio telescope Wettzell (TTW) got the first feedhorn, while the construction of the HF-receiving and the controlling system was continued.

Neidhardt, Alexander↗

A 10-Year Comparison of Water Levels Measured with a Geodetic GPS Receiver Versus a Conventional Tide Gauge

A standard geodetic GPS receiver and a conventional Aquatrak tide gauge, collocated at Friday Harbor, Washington, are used to assess the quality of 10 years of water levels estimated from GPS sea surface reflections.The GPS results are improved by accounting for (tidal) motion of the reflecting sea surface and for signal propagation delay by the troposphere. The RMS error of individual GPS water level estimates is about 12 cm. Lower water levels are measured slightly more accurately than higher water levels. Forming daily mean sea levels reduces the RMS difference with the tide gauge data to approximately 2 cm. For monthly means, the RMS difference is 1.3 cm. The GPS elevations, of course, can be automatically placed into a well-defined terrestrial reference frame. Ocean tide coefficients, determined from both the GPS and tide gauge data, are in good agreement, with absolute differences below 1 cm for all constituents save K1 and S1. The latter constituent is especially anomalous, probably owing to daily temperature-induced errors in the Aquatrak tide gauge

Larson, Kristine M.↗