IGETS is the International Geodynamics and Earth Tide Service of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG). The main objective of IGETS is to monitor temporal variations of the Earth gravity field through long‐term records from ground gravimeters, tiltmeters, strainmeters and other geodynamic sensors.
IGETS continues the activities of the Global Geodynamics Project (GGP) to provide support to geodetic and geophysical research activities using superconducting gravimeter (SG) data within the context of an international network. Furthermore, IGETS continues the activities of the International Center for Earth Tides (ICET), in particular, in collecting, archiving and distributing Earth tide records from long series of gravimeters, tiltmeters, strainmeters and other geodynamic sensors.
GFZ is the main Data Center and operates the IGETS data base of worldwide high precision SG records. EOST (Ecole et Observatoire des Sciences de la Terre, Strasbourg, France) is the secondary Data Center, The University of French Polynesia (Tahiti) and EOST (Strasbourg, France) are the two current Analysis Centers.
Abstract: Assessing changes of mountain glaciers is of widespread interest but direct measurements are often impossible. By constantly monitoring the Earths gravitational field, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) has revolutionized the way large mass changes can be detected on the Planet. Although several studies have now been using satellite-borne gravimetry data for estimating glacier changes, their validity remains largely unknown. This project aims at validating GRACE-derived estimates of mass changes of mountain glaciers by addressing the Tien Shan mountain range, Central Asia. For doing so, expertise in GRACE-data processing, and both glaciological and hydrological modeling is required. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) is the ideal host institution for such a project.