Geoid modeling for the Black Sea and future prospects

Main results from the geodetic studies concerned the geoid modeling, sea surface topography and long-term sea level changes of the Black Sea performed during the last 15 years in the Central Laboratory of Geodesy at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences are presented. Special attention is paid to the application of a complex appklh oh degrees roach for collection, combination, processing and analysis of the measurement data obtained from in situ and modern space technologies. The possibilities of the new satellite missions GRACE, SHAMP and GOCE in studies of tectonic motions, sea level variability, water mass transport, and unification of height systems are discussed. A substantial improvement of current knowledge of the Earth's gravity field and the geoid determination with 1-cm and sub-centimeter accuracy is achievable goal within a reasonable time. The progress along these lines will contribute to more objectivity and high reliability of various geophysical, oceanographical and hydro-geological investigations.