AGrav-The New International Absolute Gravity Database of BGI and BKG and its benefit for the Global Geodynamics Project (GGP)

A new database for absolute gravity (AG) measurements has been implemented at BGI and BKG and is operational now for storing absolute gravity data either in the form of metadata or as detailed measurement results. The database development was proposed by the IGFS (International Gravity Field Service) and is expected to have a great importance for the GGOS (Global Geodetic Observing System) initiative. This database will provide an overview about AG stations and observations and by this improve the cooperation between gravity groups and foster the combination with other geodetic observation techniques. The international community of absolute gravimeter users is asked to contribute to this database. In addition to its primary purposes, demonstration of the global site distribution and information about available observations, the database could also provide an important contribution to the Global Geodynamics Project (GGP). Precise repeated absolute gravity measurements at the superconducting gravimeter (SG) sites are necessary for the determination of SG drift parameters and can be used for checking SG instrument calibration factors. The AGrav database is capable of storing the necessary AG observations at the SG location in detail up to the "single drop level" and provides this information for the combination with SG time series. An example for a selected station is presented. It is proposed to establish an interface between the AGrav and GGP databases. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.