On the Consistency between a Classical Definition of the Geoid-to-Quasigeoid Separation and Helmert Orthometric Heights

It is acknowledged that a classical definition of the geoid-to-quasigeoid separation as a function of the simple planar Bouguer gravity anomaly is compatible with Helmert's definition of orthometric heights. According to Helmert, the mean actual gravity along the plumbline between the geoid and the topographic surface in the definition of orthometric height is computed approximately from the measured surface gravity by applying the Poincaré-Prey gravity reduction. This study provides theoretical proof and numerical evidence that this assumption is valid. We demonstrate that differences between the normal and (Helmert) orthometric corrections are equivalent to the geoid-to-quasigeoid separation differences computed for individual levelling segments. According to our theoretical estimates, maximum differences between these 2 quantities should be less than ±1 mm. By analogy, differences between the Molodensky normal and Helmert orthometric heights at levelling benchmarks should be equivalent to the geoid-to-quasigeoid separation computed from the Bouguer gravity data. Both theoretical findings are inspected numerically by using levelling and gravity data along selected closed levelling loops of the vertical control network in Hong Kong. Results show that values of the geoid-to-quasigeoid separation at levelling benchmarks differ less than ±0.1 mm from differences between the normal and orthometric corrections. Relatively large differences (slightly exceeding 2 mm) between values of the geoid-to-quasigeoid separation and differences between the normal and (Helmert) orthometric heights at levelling benchmarks are explained by errors in levelling measurements rather than by inconsistencies in computed values of the geoid-to-quasigeoid separation and (Helmert) orthometric correction.

Influence of Differences in the Density of Seawater on the Measurement of the Underwater Gravity Gradient

In preparing gravity gradient reference maps for navigation purposes, researchers have tended to use a constant value for the density of seawater. However, the actual seawater density at a particular location may vary due to the effects of longitude, latitude and bathymetry. In this study, the right rectangular prism method was used to calculate the disturbing gravity gradient caused by the mass deficiency of seawater for three different seawater profiles in an area east of Taiwan. For this purpose, two seawater density models were used as alternatives to the constant seawater density model, and the alteration in the gravity gradient was calculated to quantify the error in the gravity gradient as a result of using a constant seawater density. The results demonstrated that the error in the gravity gradient can reach 1E for water at large depths. Moreover, the difference between the amplitude of the error of the corrected thermocline and that for the uncorrected seawater density model was found to be quite small. If a gravity gradient reference map with accuracy better than 1E is to be realized, the seawater density cannot be taken as constant during forward modeling.

Galanin and Adrenomedullin Plasma Responses During Artificial Gravity on a Human Short-Arm Centrifuge

Galanin and adrenomedullin plasma responses to head-up tilt and lower body negative pressure have been studied previously. However, to what extent short-arm human centrifugation (SAHC) affects these responses is not known. In this study, we assessed how the application of variable gradients of accelerations (ΔGz ) via shifting of the rotation axis during centrifugation affects selected hormonal responses. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis, that cardiovascular modulating hormones such as galanin and adrenomedullin will be higher in non-finishers (participants in whom at least one of the pre-defined criteria for presyncope was fulfilled) when compared to finishers (participants who completed the entire protocol in both sessions) during SAHC exposure. Twenty healthy subjects (10 women and 10 men) were exposed to two g-levels [1 Gz and 2.4 Gz at the feet (Gz_Feet)] in two positions (axis of rotation placed above the head and axis of rotation placed at the heart level). Elevated baseline levels of galanin appeared to predict orthostatic tolerance (p = 0.054) and seemed to support good orthostatic tolerance during 1 Gz_Feet SAHC (p = 0.034). In finishers, 2.4 Gz_Feet SAHC was associated with increased galanin levels after centrifugation (p = 0.007). For adrenomedullin, the hypothesized increases were observed after centrifugation at 1 Gz_Feet (p = 0.031), but not at 2.4 Gz_Feet, suggesting that other central mechanisms than local distribution of adrenomedullin predominate when coping with central hypovolemia induced by SAHC (p > 0.14). In conclusion, baseline galanin levels could potentially be used to predict development of presyncope in subjects. Furthermore, galanin levels increase during elevated levels of central hypovolemia and galanin responses appear to be important for coping with such challenges. Adrenomedullin release depends on degree of central hypovolemia induced fluid shifts and a subject's ability to cope with such challenges. Our results suggest that the gradient of acceleration (ΔGz ) is an innovative approach to quantify the grade of central hypovolemia and to assess neurohormonal responses in those that can tolerate (finishers) or not tolerate (non-finishers) artificial gravity (AG). As AG is being considered as a preventing tool for spaceflight induced deconditioning in future missions, understanding effects of AG on hormonal responses in subjects who develop presyncope is important.

Performance Evaluation and Requirements Assessment for Gravity Gradient Referenced Navigation

In this study, simulation tests for gravity gradient referenced navigation (GGRN) are conducted to verify the effects of various factors such as database (DB) and sensor errors, flight altitude, DB resolution, initial errors, and measurement update rates on the navigation performance. Based on the simulation results, requirements for GGRN are established for position determination with certain target accuracies. It is found that DB and sensor errors and flight altitude have strong effects on the navigation performance. In particular, a DB and sensor with accuracies of 0.1 E and 0.01 E, respectively, are required to determine the position more accurately than or at a level similar to the navigation performance of terrain referenced navigation (TRN). In most cases, the horizontal position error of GGRN is less than 100 m. However, the navigation performance of GGRN is similar to or worse than that of a pure inertial navigation system when the DB and sensor errors are 3 E or 5 E each and the flight altitude is 3000 m. Considering that the accuracy of currently available gradiometers is about 3 E or 5 E, GGRN does not show much advantage over TRN at present. However, GGRN is expected to exhibit much better performance in the near future when accurate DBs and gravity gradiometer are available.