Course content

An introduction to classical mechanics, Earth's gravity potential, Low satellite orbits, Perturbation theory, orbit determination, orbit analysis, Earth's gravity field parameter determination, Satellite altimetry (projects), Altimeter measurements, Mean sea surface (MSS)determination, Sea surface topography (SST), Applications (for example in ocean circulation and transport).

Learning outcome

Learning objective:
After completing the course the candidate shall have an in-depth understanding of satellite monitoring of Earth’s deformation and change in time.

Knowledge:
After completing the course, the candidate shall have knowledge about how satellites monitor Earth’s water, ice and land surfaces and their changes in time, knowledge of methods and techniques for determination of Earth’s deformation and change in time using different satellite gravimetry and altimetry missions and analysis of the results, Knowledge of satellite gravimetry and altimetry applications in Oceanography, Geophysics, Construction and building industry, Marine, and climate change studies.

Skills:
After completing the course, the candidate shall be able to perform Mean sea surface and geoid model computations including its sophisticated correction terms, be able to calculate other parameters like sea level changes, Ice mass changes, ocean circulation, including analysis and interpretation of the results, be able to use the Earth’s parameters, like mean sea surface and geoid, within other disciplines like Oceanography and Geophysics.

General competence:
After completing the course the candidate shall have obtained ability to work independently and in a team towards relevant research front in Earth observation technology, ability to identify the Earth monitoring satellite data interface and relation with other related disciplines, ability to understand the international perspective of satellite Earth observation technologies and be able to cooperate internationally.

Learning methods and activities

The course will be given as conducted self-tuition, with compulsory exercises, and one project which will be evaluated.

Compulsory assignments

• Assignments

Required previous knowledge

Geometric Satellite Geodesy (GPS) and Physical Geodesy or equivalent (some knowledge of Earth's gravity field and satellite observations).

Course materials

Vanicek and Krakiwsky (1986) Geodesy: The concepts.
Seeber (2002) Satellite Geodesy.
Nahavandchi (2003) Satellite gravimetry.
Shum C.K. (2004) Lecture notes.
Recent articles.