Rigorous computation of high resolution spherical harmonic gravity models on massive parallel computer systems

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Gravity field models of the Earth are highly relevant in many geo-scientific applications. With a growing database (through current satellite gravity missions like GRACE or GOCE, altimetry or surface data) combined models with higher resolution become possible. The first goal of this proposal is therefore the determination of a synthetic, global, high resolution potential field on the sphere, using a spherical harmonic series with a maximal degree and order of at least 2000 (GO2000+). As we aim for a rigorous solution without the usual simplifications, the requirements for algorithmic design, implementation, and hardware are high, such as the use of efficient numerical libraries and distributed memory systems. The second focus of this project is on consistent data combination to exploit information in the best possible way. As data from different sources vary in spatial resolution, distribution and error characteristics a flexible approach and a consistent stochastic modeling is needed. All simulations will be done as closed loop simulation studies using as realistic as possible synthetic data to be able to verify the results and to analyze numerical effects. The methodical results will be of crucial significance for other gravity field related projects like GOCO (combination of GOce data with COmplementary gravity field information) or disciplines like oceanography or geophysics.