Zusammenfassung
Summary
Climate-relevant processes are often reflected in gravity field data. However, a better spatial-temporal resolution and higher accuracy is required to adequately capture the underlying mass changes. This can only be achieved by using new methods, in particular, with the help of innovative quantum technological concepts. Combining the expertise from geodesy and physics offers a unique opportunity to develop fundamentally new sensors, measurement techniques and analysis methods. Optical distance measurement between satellites, acceleration measurement by atom interferometry and chronometric levelling are essential elements. With these novel techniques, mass variations at almost all spatial-temporal scales can be observed with unprecedented accuracy for a variety of geoscientific applications, from monitoring local groundwater reservoirs to ice mass loss in Greenland. The realisation of geodetic height systems also benefits from these developments. In this paper, we present some of these innovative approaches to gravimetric Earth observation, with some focus on the location Hannover.