AGU - Geodesy Section

Geodesy is a branch of geophysics that studies the geometrical, structural, and gravitational properties of the Earth, their time evolution, and the dynamic interactions of the solid Earth with other physical components of the Earth system (atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and the core), at a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. Geodesists also study the corresponding topics for other planets in the solar system.

Observations and measurements are at the heart of geodesy. Measurements of the static Earth aimed at understanding its size, shape, and motion have been made for many centuries, earning geodesy the sobriquet of “oldest Earth science.” In the last half century, space techniques using extraterrestrial components and measurements have revolutionized the research and applications of geodesy, hence the term “space geodesy.” Space geodetic observations are used today to measure global, regional, and local crustal deformation and gravity variability associated with a wide variety of geophysical processes; to investigate mass motions inherent in the global water cycle; to monitor atmospheric water vapor and temperature; to study the dynamics and kinematics of glaciers and ice sheets; and to study changes in the planet's moment of inertia and rotation. Due to the wide application of space geodetic observations, space geodesy has today become the most interdisciplinary branch in all of geophysics.

AGUs Geodesy Section is proud to contribute to this heritage over the decades, in providing services and fostering interactions among geodesists as well as between geodesists and colleague in other discipline

Contours of the second invariant of the model strain rate field determined using 3000 geodetic velocities world-wide, and Quarternary slip rates in Asia. All areas in white are assumed to behave rigidly. The contour scale is quasi-exponential. (Figure adapted Kreemer et al. (2003), Kreemer, C. , W.E. Holt, and A.J. Haines An integrated global model of present-day plate motions and plate boundary deformation, Geophysical Journal International, Vol. 154, p. 8-34, 2003) (Source: Cornée Kreemer (University of Nevada, Reno), winner of the 2010 Geodesy Section Award) Welcome to the Geodesy Section of the American Geophysical Union.



Announcements Officers & committees Awards & Honors Meetings Journals Become a member Bylaws Links Main AGU page Home		Geodesy is a branch of geophysics that studies the geometrical, structural, and gravitational properties of the Earth, their time evolution, and the dynamic interactions of the solid Earth with other physical components of the Earth system (atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and the core), at a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. Geodesists also study the corresponding topics for other planets in the solar system. Observations and measurements are at the heart of geodesy. Measurements of the static Earth aimed at understanding its size, shape, and motion have been made for many centuries, earning geodesy the sobriquet of “oldest Earth science.” In the last half century, space techniques using extraterrestrial components and measurements have revolutionized the research and applications of geodesy, hence the term “space geodesy.” Space geodetic observations are used today to measure global, regional, and local crustal deformation and gravity variability associated with a wide variety of geophysical processes; to investigate mass motions inherent in the global water cycle; to monitor atmospheric water vapor and temperature; to study the dynamics and kinematics of glaciers and ice sheets; and to study changes in the planet's moment of inertia and rotation. Due to the wide application of space geodetic observations, space geodesy has today become the most interdisciplinary branch in all of geophysics. AGUs Geodesy Section is proud to contribute to this heritage over the decades, in providing services and fostering interactions among geodesists as well as between geodesists and colleague in other discipline