JWG C.4: Hydrological loading: measuring and modeling

Chair: Mohammad J. Tourian (Germany)
Vice chair: Joelle Nicolas (France)
Affiliations: Commissions 2 and 4, GGOS

Introduction

Water distribution in its various forms on Earth surface, the so-called hydrological loading, leads to the deformation of the solid Earth and gravity field variation. Spaceborne geodetic techniques, among all, contribute in monitoring and modeling of hydrological loading. Our joint working group will undertake a multidisciplinary approach, benefiting from expertise from geodesists, hydrologists and climate scientists. We will collaborate on data collection, analysis, and modeling efforts to achieve our objectives. Within this joint working group following objectives are envisaged:

Objectives

• Exploring the signature of climate change in hydrological signals
• Better understanding the hydrological loading: investigating the role of different compartments and different scales
• Feasibility assessment of the reconciliation of different measurement techniques and models and exploring their associated uncertainties
• Understanding the impact of the hydrological cycle and mass fluxes on geodetic response, aiming to enhance our understanding of the space-time scales linked todiverse deformation processes

• investigate how hydrological loading serves as a sensitive indicator of climate change.By analyzing long-term geodetic records and climate data, we will seek to identify distinct patterns and trends that signify the impact of changing climate conditions.
• explore the intricate relationship between hydrological compartments (e.g., ground-water, surface water, snow, ice) and different spatial and temporal scales. This willinvolve dissecting the contributions of individual compartments and their interaction within larger hydrological systems.
• explore the challenge of reconciling various geodetic measurement techniques (e.g.,GNSS, InSAR, GRACE) and hydrological models (e.g., land surface models, hydrological models) used to study hydrological loading. We will assess the strengths and limitations of each approach and propose strategies for integration. We will conduct intercomparisons of different hydrological models and geodetic measurement techniques to understand their relative strengths and weaknesses.
• develop guidelines and roadmaps for quantifying uncertainties associated with hydrological loading measurements and modeling.

• Enhanced understanding of hydrological loading’s role in detecting climate change signatures.
• Insight into the contributions of different hydrological compartments and scales.
• Improved reconciliation of diverse measurement techniques and models.
• Guidelines and roadmaps for uncertainty quantification. Collaborative researchpublications and presentations.
• A network of experts contributing to ongoing advancements in geodesy for climateresearch..

Program of Activities

• Organizing workshops, webinars, and conferences to facilitate knowledge sharingand dissemination of research findings.
• Organizing a Special Issue in a Suitable Journal
• Organizing summer/autumn schools (hackweeks) to transfer knowledge to students.
• Regular meetings/discussion Organizing sessions at international conferences andalso, ICCC meetings

Members

• Donald Argus (USA)
• Jean-Paul Boy (France)
• Peter Clarke (UK)
• Omid Elmi (Germany)
• Vagner Ferreira (China)
• Yuning Fu (USA)
• Wei Feng (China)
• Yuning Fu (USA)
• Khosro Ghobadi-Far (USA)
• Kévin Gobron (France)
• Mahmud Haghshenas (Germany)
• Makan Karegar (Germany)
• Achraf Koulali (UK)
• Matt King (Australia)
• Karine Le Bail (Sweden)
• Hilary Martens (USA)
• Anthony Mémin (France)
• Henry Montecino (Chile)
• Daniel Moreira (Brazil)
• Paulo Sérgio de Oliveira Jr (Brazil)
• Fabrice Papa (France)
• Mahdiyeh Razeghi (Australia)
• Peyman Saemian (Germany)
• Francesca Silverii (Italy)
• Alicia Tafflet (France)
• Shuang Yi (China)
• Susanna Werth (USA)