Validation of recent GOCE/GRACE geopotential models over Khartoum state - Sudan

Abstract

Validation of recent GOCE/GRACE geopotential models over Khartoum state - SudanThis paper evaluates a number of latest releases of GOCE/GRACE global geopotential models (GGMs) using the GPS-levelling geometric geoid heights, terrestrial gravity data and existing local gravimetric models. We investigate each global model at every 5 degree of spherical harmonics. Our analysis shows that the satellite-only models derived by space-wise and time-wise approaches (SPW_R1, SPW_R2 TIM_R1 and TIM_R2), GOCO01S together with EGM08 (combined model) are very distinct and consistent to the local data, which guarantees one of them to be selected as the best of candidate models and then to be utilized in our further geoid studies. One of Satellite-only models will be employed for acquiring the long wavelength geoid component which is one of major steps in the geoid determination. EGM08 will be used to compensate and restore the missing gravity data points in the un-surveyed parts within the target area. We expect further improvements in geoid studies in Sudan due to the improved medium wavelength part of the gravity field from GOCE mission.