High-resolution regional gravity field modeling to connect the local vertical systems in South America to the IHRF

Abstract Since 2015, the scientific community has been working on unifying the global vertical system, following the resolution for the definition and realization of an International Height Reference System. This paper aims to determine the vertical datum parameter between the local vertical system...

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Main Authors: Gabriel do Nascimento Guimarães, Ana Cristina Oliveira Cancoro de Matos, Denizar Blitzkow, Flavio Guilherme Vaz de Almeida
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-07-01
Series:Earth, Planets and Space
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-025-02226-5
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Summary:Abstract Since 2015, the scientific community has been working on unifying the global vertical system, following the resolution for the definition and realization of an International Height Reference System. This paper aims to determine the vertical datum parameter between the local vertical system and the global one in seven countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Uruguay) in South America. For this purpose, Global Navigation Satellite System/leveling data and geoid undulations from a regional gravity field model were used in the computation. The results showed that the vertical datum parameter varies from 0.29 m (Talcahuano tide gauge—Chile) to 1.69 m (Santana tide gauge—Brazil). Besides that, geopotential numbers were estimated using the regional gravity field model computed in this paper and compared with the last version of the continental model. This research enhances geodetic knowledge by improving the accuracy of vertical data, utilizing advanced data correction methods, and integrating geoid models linked to international reference systems. The findings represent a significant advancement in addressing height inconsistencies, integrating national height systems within a global reference framework, and providing crucial data for diverse scientific and practical applications. These results have direct implications for infrastructure projects, natural hazard mitigation, and environmental monitoring in South America. Graphical Abstract
ISSN:1880-5981