The use of iceberg-keel ploughmarks as proxy indicators of past and present iceberg morphology, keel depth and drift direction has seldom been approached in the southern hemisphere. Using high-resolution multi-beam swath bathymetry of the mid-shelf Pine Island Trough and outermost Weddell Sea shelf regions of Antarctica, detailed analysis of >13,000 iceberg-keel ploughmarks was undertaken. By considering the draft of icebergs calved from Antarctica today, calculated from detailed satellite altimetric datasets by this work, almost all observed ploughmarks were interpreted to be relict features. In Pine Island Trough, ploughmark planform parameters and cross-sections imply calving of a large number of non-tabular icebergs with v-shaped keels from the palaeo-Pine Island-Thwaites ice stream. Geological evidence of ploughmark form and modern water depth distribution indicates calving-margin thicknesses (949 m) and subaerial ice cliff elevations (102 m) equivalent to the theoretical threshold predicted to trigger ice-cliff structural collapse and calving by marine ice-cliff instability (MICI) processes. Thus, ploughmarks provide the first observational evidence of rapid retreat of the palaeo-Pine Island-Thwaites ice stream, driven by MICI processes commencing ~12.3 cal ka BP. On the Weddell Sea shelf, ploughmark morphologies imply considerable variation in palaeo-iceberg shape and size, most likely reflecting calving from multiple source margins. In turn, an absence of grounded ice on the Weddell Sea shelf and a palaeo-oceanographic regime comparable to today are implied at the time of formation. Analysis of a 3D seismic cube of the Sea Lion Field area of the North Falkland Basin reveals iceberg-keel ploughmarks incised into the modern- and palaeo-seafloor, formed by icebergs of varying shape and size that most-likely calved from the Antarctic Ice Sheet during three past glacial periods (estimated ages ~18 - 26.5 ka BP, ~246 ka BP, ~9.8 Ma BP). Despite illustrating the possibility of iceberg drift into the North Falkland Basin today, the relict ploughmark age implies little risk to any seafloor structures in the area, which might be required for hydrocarbon production. By these analyses, the significance of iceberg-keel ploughmarks as indicators of palaeo-glaciology and palaeo-oceanography at the time of formation is emphasised.

A quase inacessibilidade de grandes partes do Oceano Austral torna o conhecimento da espessura do gelo marinho limitado. Esta informação é essencial para a determinação do balanço de massa deste componente da criosfera. Na transição do inverno para a primavera de 2006, uma equipe de pesquisadores, coletou uma série de perfis de espessura de gelo marinho no norte e noroeste do mar de Weddell. Eles estavam a bordo do navio de pesquisa alemão Polarstern do Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI) e utilizaram um sistema composto por um sensor eletromagnético, altímetro laser e um Sistema de Posicionamento Global Diferencial (DGPS) aerotransportado por helicóptero. Simultaneamente, a Agência Espacial Europeia (ESA), adquiriu imagens ENVISAT ASAR WSM da área de pesquisa. O objetivo principal desta tese é determinar a relação existente entre o retroespalhamento medido pelo Radar de Abertura Sintética e a espessura do gelo marinho obtida pelo HEM (Helicopter-borne ElectroMagnetic system) usando os dados citados acima. Utilizamos os programas de computador NEST®, MATLAB®, EXCEL®, ArcGIS®/ArcMAP®, para processar, analisar e selecionar as imagens, para determinar a relação entre o retroespalhamento e as medidas, quase-tempo-coincidentes, de espessura do gelo. Projetamos as trajetórias dos voos sobre as imagens obtidas nas mesmas datas e extraímos os pixels referentes aos locais onde foram medidas as espessuras de gelo marinho. Apropriamos os valores de espessura do gelo para a área de cada pixel sobre o qual se referiam. Uma análise estatística determinou que o parâmetro que melhor representa a espessura do gelo dentro da área do pixel é a média. A regressão linear é a melhor forma de ajuste das relações entre o valor de retroespalhamento do pixel e a espessura do gelo marinho contido na área deste pixel. O coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson, resultante de análise paramétrica, indica uma forte correlação (0,75) entre retroespalhamento e espessura do gelo marinho. Porém, a análise não paramétrica de Spearman resultou em um coeficiente de correlação baixo (0,06) o que pode indicar que os dados analisados são compostos por duas populações distintas (e.g., gelo de primeiro ano e plurianual). Contudo, a análise não paramétrica de Kolmogorov-Smirnov aventa a possibilidade de que não tenhamos amostrado toda população. Esta seria a razão de não haver valores de espessuras relativas ao intervalo entre -9.21dB e -1.35dB, o que poderia induzir ao baixo valor do coeficiente de correlação na análise de Spearman. Aplicamos a equação linear: y=0,6345x+12,015 às imagens e pudemos separá-las em doze classes: uma para água e onze para gelo marinho, estas com intervalos de um metro. Isto possibilitou a observação de importantes feições oceanográficas como: canais de águas abertas; cristas de compressão, decaimento do gelo marinho, deslocamento de icebergs (como indicadores de correntes, marés e ventos), liberação de gelo por geleiras de maré, desprendimento de iceberg da plataforma de gelo Larsen C, esteiras de ondas e vórtices oceânicos. Com base no exposto, podemos afirmar que, estatisticamente, nossos resultados são robustos e significantes, com nível de confiança entre 95% e 99%. A equação que propomos é um primeiro passo para inferir-se a espessura do gelo marinho a partir de coeficientes de retroespalhamento SAR. / The almost inaccessibility of large parts of the Southern Ocean makes the knowledge on the sea-ice thickness limited. This information is essential for determining the mass balance of this cryosphere component. During the transition from winter to spring 2006, a researcher team performed several sea-ice thickness profiles in the north and northwest of the Weddell Sea. They were aboard the German research vessel Polarstern from the Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI) and utilizing for those measurements a Helicopter-borne Electromagnetic system (HEM). The HEM is composed of an electromagnetic sensor, laser altimeter, and a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). Simultaneously, the European Space Agency (ESA) ENVISAT ASAR WSM acquired images from the research area. The main objective of this thesis is to determine the relationship between the Synthetic Aperture Radar backscattering and the HEM’s sea-ice thickness measurements using data listed above. We used the computer programs: NEST®, MATLAB®, EXCEL®, ArcGIS® / ArcMap®, to process, analyze and select images, in order to determine the relationship between the backscattering and the quasi-time-coincident ice thickness measurements. We projected the flights trajectories on the images obtained on the same dates, extracting the pixels pertaining to the places where the sea-ice thicknesses were determined. We ascribed ice thickness values for each area covered by the pixel. A statistical analysis determined that the best ice thickness parameter within a pixel area is its mean. Linear regression is the best way to adjust the relationship between the pixel backscatter value and the sea-ice thickness contained within the pixel area. The Pearson linear correlation coefficient, resulting from parametric analysis, indicates a strong correlation (0.75) between backscatter and sea-ice thickness. However, the nonparametric Spearman analysis resulted in a low correlation coefficient (0.06), which may indicate that the analyzed data consist of two distinct populations (e.g., first-year and multi-year ice). However, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric analysis brought up the possibility that we just have not sampled the entire population. This could explain the no existence of sea-ice thicknesses values on the interval from -9.21dB to -1.35dB, which could lead to the low correlation coefficient in the Spearman analysis. We applied the linear equation: =,+, to the images, separating them into twelve classes: one for water and eleven to sea-ice, the latter in one-meter thickness intervals. The results enabled the observation of important oceanographic features such as open water channels, pressure ridges, sea-ice decay, icebergs motion (as indicators of currents, tides and winds), glaciers discharge, iceberg calving from Larsen C ice shelf, wakes and oceanic eddies. Based on the foregoing, we can say that, statistically, our results are robust and significantly, with a confidence level from 95% to 99%. The proposed equation is a first step to inferring sea-ice thickness from SAR backscatter coefficients.

A quase inacessibilidade de grandes partes do Oceano Austral torna o conhecimento da espessura do gelo marinho limitado. Esta informação é essencial para a determinação do balanço de massa deste componente da criosfera. Na transição do inverno para a primavera de 2006, uma equipe de pesquisadores, coletou uma série de perfis de espessura de gelo marinho no norte e noroeste do mar de Weddell. Eles estavam a bordo do navio de pesquisa alemão Polarstern do Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI) e utilizaram um sistema composto por um sensor eletromagnético, altímetro laser e um Sistema de Posicionamento Global Diferencial (DGPS) aerotransportado por helicóptero. Simultaneamente, a Agência Espacial Europeia (ESA), adquiriu imagens ENVISAT ASAR WSM da área de pesquisa. O objetivo principal desta tese é determinar a relação existente entre o retroespalhamento medido pelo Radar de Abertura Sintética e a espessura do gelo marinho obtida pelo HEM (Helicopter-borne ElectroMagnetic system) usando os dados citados acima. Utilizamos os programas de computador NEST®, MATLAB®, EXCEL®, ArcGIS®/ArcMAP®, para processar, analisar e selecionar as imagens, para determinar a relação entre o retroespalhamento e as medidas, quase-tempo-coincidentes, de espessura do gelo. Projetamos as trajetórias dos voos sobre as imagens obtidas nas mesmas datas e extraímos os pixels referentes aos locais onde foram medidas as espessuras de gelo marinho. Apropriamos os valores de espessura do gelo para a área de cada pixel sobre o qual se referiam. Uma análise estatística determinou que o parâmetro que melhor representa a espessura do gelo dentro da área do pixel é a média. A regressão linear é a melhor forma de ajuste das relações entre o valor de retroespalhamento do pixel e a espessura do gelo marinho contido na área deste pixel. O coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson, resultante de análise paramétrica, indica uma forte correlação (0,75) entre retroespalhamento e espessura do gelo marinho. Porém, a análise não paramétrica de Spearman resultou em um coeficiente de correlação baixo (0,06) o que pode indicar que os dados analisados são compostos por duas populações distintas (e.g., gelo de primeiro ano e plurianual). Contudo, a análise não paramétrica de Kolmogorov-Smirnov aventa a possibilidade de que não tenhamos amostrado toda população. Esta seria a razão de não haver valores de espessuras relativas ao intervalo entre -9.21dB e -1.35dB, o que poderia induzir ao baixo valor do coeficiente de correlação na análise de Spearman. Aplicamos a equação linear: y=0,6345x+12,015 às imagens e pudemos separá-las em doze classes: uma para água e onze para gelo marinho, estas com intervalos de um metro. Isto possibilitou a observação de importantes feições oceanográficas como: canais de águas abertas; cristas de compressão, decaimento do gelo marinho, deslocamento de icebergs (como indicadores de correntes, marés e ventos), liberação de gelo por geleiras de maré, desprendimento de iceberg da plataforma de gelo Larsen C, esteiras de ondas e vórtices oceânicos. Com base no exposto, podemos afirmar que, estatisticamente, nossos resultados são robustos e significantes, com nível de confiança entre 95% e 99%. A equação que propomos é um primeiro passo para inferir-se a espessura do gelo marinho a partir de coeficientes de retroespalhamento SAR. / The almost inaccessibility of large parts of the Southern Ocean makes the knowledge on the sea-ice thickness limited. This information is essential for determining the mass balance of this cryosphere component. During the transition from winter to spring 2006, a researcher team performed several sea-ice thickness profiles in the north and northwest of the Weddell Sea. They were aboard the German research vessel Polarstern from the Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI) and utilizing for those measurements a Helicopter-borne Electromagnetic system (HEM). The HEM is composed of an electromagnetic sensor, laser altimeter, and a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). Simultaneously, the European Space Agency (ESA) ENVISAT ASAR WSM acquired images from the research area. The main objective of this thesis is to determine the relationship between the Synthetic Aperture Radar backscattering and the HEM’s sea-ice thickness measurements using data listed above. We used the computer programs: NEST®, MATLAB®, EXCEL®, ArcGIS® / ArcMap®, to process, analyze and select images, in order to determine the relationship between the backscattering and the quasi-time-coincident ice thickness measurements. We projected the flights trajectories on the images obtained on the same dates, extracting the pixels pertaining to the places where the sea-ice thicknesses were determined. We ascribed ice thickness values for each area covered by the pixel. A statistical analysis determined that the best ice thickness parameter within a pixel area is its mean. Linear regression is the best way to adjust the relationship between the pixel backscatter value and the sea-ice thickness contained within the pixel area. The Pearson linear correlation coefficient, resulting from parametric analysis, indicates a strong correlation (0.75) between backscatter and sea-ice thickness. However, the nonparametric Spearman analysis resulted in a low correlation coefficient (0.06), which may indicate that the analyzed data consist of two distinct populations (e.g., first-year and multi-year ice). However, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric analysis brought up the possibility that we just have not sampled the entire population. This could explain the no existence of sea-ice thicknesses values on the interval from -9.21dB to -1.35dB, which could lead to the low correlation coefficient in the Spearman analysis. We applied the linear equation: =,+, to the images, separating them into twelve classes: one for water and eleven to sea-ice, the latter in one-meter thickness intervals. The results enabled the observation of important oceanographic features such as open water channels, pressure ridges, sea-ice decay, icebergs motion (as indicators of currents, tides and winds), glaciers discharge, iceberg calving from Larsen C ice shelf, wakes and oceanic eddies. Based on the foregoing, we can say that, statistically, our results are robust and significantly, with a confidence level from 95% to 99%. The proposed equation is a first step to inferring sea-ice thickness from SAR backscatter coefficients.

A quase inacessibilidade de grandes partes do Oceano Austral torna o conhecimento da espessura do gelo marinho limitado. Esta informação é essencial para a determinação do balanço de massa deste componente da criosfera. Na transição do inverno para a primavera de 2006, uma equipe de pesquisadores, coletou uma série de perfis de espessura de gelo marinho no norte e noroeste do mar de Weddell. Eles estavam a bordo do navio de pesquisa alemão Polarstern do Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI) e utilizaram um sistema composto por um sensor eletromagnético, altímetro laser e um Sistema de Posicionamento Global Diferencial (DGPS) aerotransportado por helicóptero. Simultaneamente, a Agência Espacial Europeia (ESA), adquiriu imagens ENVISAT ASAR WSM da área de pesquisa. O objetivo principal desta tese é determinar a relação existente entre o retroespalhamento medido pelo Radar de Abertura Sintética e a espessura do gelo marinho obtida pelo HEM (Helicopter-borne ElectroMagnetic system) usando os dados citados acima. Utilizamos os programas de computador NEST®, MATLAB®, EXCEL®, ArcGIS®/ArcMAP®, para processar, analisar e selecionar as imagens, para determinar a relação entre o retroespalhamento e as medidas, quase-tempo-coincidentes, de espessura do gelo. Projetamos as trajetórias dos voos sobre as imagens obtidas nas mesmas datas e extraímos os pixels referentes aos locais onde foram medidas as espessuras de gelo marinho. Apropriamos os valores de espessura do gelo para a área de cada pixel sobre o qual se referiam. Uma análise estatística determinou que o parâmetro que melhor representa a espessura do gelo dentro da área do pixel é a média. A regressão linear é a melhor forma de ajuste das relações entre o valor de retroespalhamento do pixel e a espessura do gelo marinho contido na área deste pixel. O coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson, resultante de análise paramétrica, indica uma forte correlação (0,75) entre retroespalhamento e espessura do gelo marinho. Porém, a análise não paramétrica de Spearman resultou em um coeficiente de correlação baixo (0,06) o que pode indicar que os dados analisados são compostos por duas populações distintas (e.g., gelo de primeiro ano e plurianual). Contudo, a análise não paramétrica de Kolmogorov-Smirnov aventa a possibilidade de que não tenhamos amostrado toda população. Esta seria a razão de não haver valores de espessuras relativas ao intervalo entre -9.21dB e -1.35dB, o que poderia induzir ao baixo valor do coeficiente de correlação na análise de Spearman. Aplicamos a equação linear: y=0,6345x+12,015 às imagens e pudemos separá-las em doze classes: uma para água e onze para gelo marinho, estas com intervalos de um metro. Isto possibilitou a observação de importantes feições oceanográficas como: canais de águas abertas; cristas de compressão, decaimento do gelo marinho, deslocamento de icebergs (como indicadores de correntes, marés e ventos), liberação de gelo por geleiras de maré, desprendimento de iceberg da plataforma de gelo Larsen C, esteiras de ondas e vórtices oceânicos. Com base no exposto, podemos afirmar que, estatisticamente, nossos resultados são robustos e significantes, com nível de confiança entre 95% e 99%. A equação que propomos é um primeiro passo para inferir-se a espessura do gelo marinho a partir de coeficientes de retroespalhamento SAR. / The almost inaccessibility of large parts of the Southern Ocean makes the knowledge on the sea-ice thickness limited. This information is essential for determining the mass balance of this cryosphere component. During the transition from winter to spring 2006, a researcher team performed several sea-ice thickness profiles in the north and northwest of the Weddell Sea. They were aboard the German research vessel Polarstern from the Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI) and utilizing for those measurements a Helicopter-borne Electromagnetic system (HEM). The HEM is composed of an electromagnetic sensor, laser altimeter, and a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). Simultaneously, the European Space Agency (ESA) ENVISAT ASAR WSM acquired images from the research area. The main objective of this thesis is to determine the relationship between the Synthetic Aperture Radar backscattering and the HEM’s sea-ice thickness measurements using data listed above. We used the computer programs: NEST®, MATLAB®, EXCEL®, ArcGIS® / ArcMap®, to process, analyze and select images, in order to determine the relationship between the backscattering and the quasi-time-coincident ice thickness measurements. We projected the flights trajectories on the images obtained on the same dates, extracting the pixels pertaining to the places where the sea-ice thicknesses were determined. We ascribed ice thickness values for each area covered by the pixel. A statistical analysis determined that the best ice thickness parameter within a pixel area is its mean. Linear regression is the best way to adjust the relationship between the pixel backscatter value and the sea-ice thickness contained within the pixel area. The Pearson linear correlation coefficient, resulting from parametric analysis, indicates a strong correlation (0.75) between backscatter and sea-ice thickness. However, the nonparametric Spearman analysis resulted in a low correlation coefficient (0.06), which may indicate that the analyzed data consist of two distinct populations (e.g., first-year and multi-year ice). However, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric analysis brought up the possibility that we just have not sampled the entire population. This could explain the no existence of sea-ice thicknesses values on the interval from -9.21dB to -1.35dB, which could lead to the low correlation coefficient in the Spearman analysis. We applied the linear equation: =,+, to the images, separating them into twelve classes: one for water and eleven to sea-ice, the latter in one-meter thickness intervals. The results enabled the observation of important oceanographic features such as open water channels, pressure ridges, sea-ice decay, icebergs motion (as indicators of currents, tides and winds), glaciers discharge, iceberg calving from Larsen C ice shelf, wakes and oceanic eddies. Based on the foregoing, we can say that, statistically, our results are robust and significantly, with a confidence level from 95% to 99%. The proposed equation is a first step to inferring sea-ice thickness from SAR backscatter coefficients.

A complexa interação que ocorre entre os processos oceânicos e atmosféricos no Oceano Austral afeta a circulação oceânica global em diferentes camadas. O Mar de Weddell e o Mar de Ross possuem reconhecida importância na formação da Água de Fundo Antártica (AABW). O objetivo principal deste trabalho é caracterizar as massas de água dos Mares de Weddell e Ross, através dos dados mais recentes de reanálise oceânica SODA (Simple Ocean Data Assimilation). Através da técnica de separação de massas de água Análise Multiparamétrica Ótima (AMO) foi possível a identificação de 3 principais massas de água no Mar de Ross: Água Profunda Circumpolar Superior (UCDW), Água Profunda Circumpolar Inferior (LCDW) e Água de Plataforma de Baixa Salinidade (LSSW). A UCDW foi a que apresentou a maior variabilidade, não atingindo a Plataforma de gelo do MR durante os anos de 1950-1974. No Mar de Weddell foi possível a identificação das seguintes massas de água: Água Profunda Cálida (WDW), Água Profunda do Mar de Weddell (WSDW) e Água de Fundo do Mar de Weddell (WSBW). A WDW atingiu valores >70% à 800m. A WSDW possui em seu núcleo valores > 90% entre 2000 e 3500m. A WSBW, apresenta ~100% em profundidades > 4000m. / The complex interaction that occurs between the oceanic and atmospheric processes in the Southern Ocean affects global ocean circulation in different layers. The Weddell and Ross Seas have recognized importance in the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW). This work aims to characterize the water masses of the Weddell and Ross Seas, using the latest ocean data reanalysis SODA (Simple Ocean Data Assimilation). Through the water masses separation technique, Optimum Multiparameter Analysis (OMP), it was possible to identify three main water masses in Ross Sea: Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (UCDW), Lower Circumpolar Deep Water (LCDW) and Low Salinity Shelf Water (LSSW). UCDW showed the greatest variability, not reaching the Ross Sea Ice Shelf during the years 1950-1974. It was possible to identify the following water masses in Weddell Sea: Warm Deep Water (WDW), Weddell Sea Deep Water (WSDW) and Weddell Sea Bottom Water (WSBW). WDW reached values up to 70% in 800m. WSDW has in its core values > 90% between 2000 and 3500m. WSBW presents a contribution up to 100% at depths > 4000m.

Der regionalen Schwerefeldmodellierung in polaren Gebieten kommt in vielerlei Hinsicht eine besondere und wachsende Bedeutung zu. Einerseits sind hochauflösende und präzise Geoidmodelle eine wichtige Eingangsgröße bei der Untersuchung und Quantifizierung geophysikalischer, ozeanographischer bzw. glaziologischer Phänomene, z. B. bei der Bestimmung der mittleren dynamischen Ozeantopographie oder der Anwendung des Schwimmgleichgewichts im Bereich von Schelfeisen, Meereis oder subglazialen Seen. Zudem werden sie allgemein zur Referenzierung von Höhenmodellen benötigt. Andererseits sind, aufgrund der unvermeidbaren polaren Datenlücken von Satellitenbeobachtungen jenseits der Grenzbreite (sog. „Polloch“), terrestrische Schweredaten auch für die globale Schwerefeldmodellierung unerlässlich. Jedoch sind die verfügbaren terrestrischen (bodennahen) Schwerebeobachtungen insbesondere im Gebiet der Antarktis äußerst lückenhaft und heterogen. So entspricht das tatsächliche Auflösungsvermögen selbst aktueller kombinierter Schwerefeldmodelle wie EGM2008 oder EIGEN-6C über dem antarktischen Kontinent lediglich dem der reinen Satellitenmodelle aus GRACE bzw. GOCE. Des Weiteren sind Standardverfahren der regionalen Geoidmodellierung hier nicht ohne Weiteres anwendbar. Neben der Heterogenität der Daten als praktischer Herausforderung muss aus theoretischer Sicht dem zusätzlichen Dichtekontrast durch das Eis Rechnung getragen werden. Die vorliegende kumulative Dissertation greift diese Problematik auf. Während die einzelnen Publikationen die Ergebnisse ausgewählter regionaler Fallstudien präsentieren, soll die folgende zusammenfassende Abhandlung einen doppelten Bogen spannen, indem die geophysikalischen Phänomene gleichzeitig als zu untersuchende Anwendungsgebiete und als Einflussfaktoren im Kontext der regionalen Geoidmodellierung beschrieben werden. So wird am Beispiel der Weddellsee gezeigt, wie die Meereisbedeckung die Qualität und Zuverlässigkeit der mithilfe der Satellitenaltimetrie abgeleiteten Schwerefeldmodelle beeinträchtigt. Diese Modelle bilden derzeit die alleinige Datengrundlage für die hochauflösenden globalen Modelle im Gebiet des Antarktischen Ozeans. Zugleich wird anhand des verfeinerten regionalen Modells und daraus abgeleiteter geostrophischer Geschwindigkeiten demonstriert, dass selbst lückenhafte und heterogene terrestrische Daten hier einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur simultanen Kalibrierung und Vereinheitlichung des Datenbestandes leisten können. Im Ergebnis konnten in den küstennahen Gewässern Differenzen von mehreren Dezimetern gegenüber Geoidhöhen aus EGM2008 festgestellt werden, welche teils auf systematische Abweichungen und teils auf Rauschen im globalen Modell zurückzuführen sind. Über dem Festland erreicht dessen Vernachlässigungsfehler im quadratischen Mittel sogar 0,75 m und Maxima von über 3 m. Ein weiteres verfeinertes und, dank geeigneter Eingangsdaten, sehr genaues und hochauflösendes Geoidmodell wird für die Region um den Vostoksee in der Ostantarktis abgeleitet. In Kombination mit Eisoberflächenhöhen und Eisdicken gelingt es, das Schwimmgleichgewicht des subglazialen Sees nachzuweisen. Das gegenüber GOCE zusätzlich gewonnene Geoidsignal ist hier mit 0,56 m Standardabweichung zwar etwas kleiner, jedoch wird im Vergleich mit der residualen Auslenkung des Seespiegels (0,26 m Standardabweichung) auch für diese Anwendung der signifikante und gegenüber dem Auflösungsvermögen von GOCE auch notwendige Beitrag eines regionalen Geoidmodells deutlich. Für das hydrostatische Gleichgewicht eines subglazialen Sees ist streng genommen das tatsächliche Schwerepotential in Höhe des Seespiegels maßgeblich. Dessen Berechnung erfordert eine Fortsetzung des Störpotentials nach unten innerhalb der Topographie, welche konzeptionell in engem Zusammenhang mit dem bekannten Geoid-Quasigeoid-Separationsterm steht. Dessen oft angenommene Approximation mithilfe der Bougueranomalie kann, angesichts der heutigen Anforderungen an ein modernes zentimetergenaues Geoid, gerade in rauem Gelände zu ungenau sein. In Anlehnung an aktuelle Arbeiten auf diesem Gebiet wird ein verallgemeinerter und zugleich verfeinerter Ansatz zur praktischen Berechnung des Terms erarbeitet. Am Beispiel des Himalaya werden die einzelnen Anteile im Rahmen einer Simulationsstudie quantifiziert und insbesondere ihre Sensitivität gegenüber dem Integrationsradius der Topographie untersucht. Besonderes Augenmerk liegt ebenso auf dem indirekten Effekt der Topographie in Bezug auf das Potential, welcher, im Gegensatz zur Anwendung eines planaren Modells, in sphärischer Betrachtungsweise nicht verschwindet. / In many respects, regional gravity field modeling in polar areas is of special, and growing, interest. On the one hand, high-resolution and precise geoid models are an important input parameter to investigate and quantify manifold geophysical, oceanographical and glaciological phenomena, e.g., the determination of the mean dynamic ocean topography, or the application of the hydrostatic equilibrium condition in the areas of ice shelves, sea ice, or subglacial lakes. Moreover, geoid models are in general needed as a reference for height models. On the other hand, because of the unavoidable polar data gaps in satellite measurements due to the inclination (the so-called “polar gap”), terrestrial gravity data are indispensable also for global gravity field modeling. However, the available terrestrial (ground-based) gravity datasets, in particular of Antarctica, are very sparse and heterogeneous. For example, over the Antarctic continent the true resolution of even the most recent combined global geopotential models such as EGM2008 or EIGEN-6C only corresponds to that of the satellite-only models derived from GRACE and GOCE, respectively. Furthermore, standard techniques of regional geoid modeling cannot be readily used in this area. Apart from the heterogeneity of the data as a practical challenge the additional density contrast implied by the covering sheet needs to be accounted for from the theoretical point of view. This complex situation is the starting point for the present cumulative dissertation. Whereas the individual publications present the results of selected regional case studies, the intention of the following summary is to draw an integrated picture aiming at explaining the geophysical phenomena as both applications and influencing factors in the context of regional geoid modeling. Using the example of the Weddell Sea it is shown how sea-ice coverage affects the quality and reliability of marine gravity field models derived from radar satellite altimetry. At present, these models are the only input data to the high-resolution global geopotential models. At the same time, the refined regional model and geostrophic velocities derived thereof are employed to demonstrate how even sparse and heterogeneous terrestrial gravity data may provide a contribution to simultaneously calibrate and unify the available datasets. As a result, near the coast differences at the order of some decimeters could be observed in comparison with EGM2008, originating partly from systematic effects and noise in the global model. In the continental areas, its omission error even yields a standard deviation of 0.75 m and attains a maximum of more than 3 m. Another refined and, owing to appropriate input data, very precise and highly resolving geoid model is derived for the region around subglacial Lake Vostok. In combination with ice-surface heights and ice thickness data it is used to provide observational evidence that the lake is in a state of hydrostatic equilibrium. There, the additional geoid signal w.r.t. GOCE is a bit smaller (0.56 m standard deviation). However, considering the residual deviations of the apparent lake level (0.26 m standard deviation) the significant and necessary, as compared to the resolution of GOCE, contribution of a regional geoid model to this application is shown. In a strict sense, the relevant quantity to evaluate the hydrostatic equilibrium condition of a subglacial lake is the actual geopotential at the anticipated lake level. Its computation requires a downward continuation of the disturbing potential inside the topography, which is closely related to the concept of the well-known geoid-quasigeoid separation term. In the past, this term was frequently described as an approximation by means of the Bouguer anomaly. However, considering the modern requirements of the “one-centimeter geoid” this approximation may be too coarse over rough terrain. Following recent works in this field, a generalized yet refined approach for practical implementation of the term is developed. The individual constituents of the term are quantified. In particular, their sensitivity against the radius up to which topography is taken into account is investigated. For this simulation study, the Himalaya mountain region served as test area. Furthermore, special focus is given to the indirect of topography on the potential which, contrary to applying a planar model, does not vanish in the spherical approach.

Der regionalen Schwerefeldmodellierung in polaren Gebieten kommt in vielerlei Hinsicht eine besondere und wachsende Bedeutung zu. Einerseits sind hochauflösende und präzise Geoidmodelle eine wichtige Eingangsgröße bei der Untersuchung und Quantifizierung geophysikalischer, ozeanographischer bzw. glaziologischer Phänomene, z. B. bei der Bestimmung der mittleren dynamischen Ozeantopographie oder der Anwendung des Schwimmgleichgewichts im Bereich von Schelfeisen, Meereis oder subglazialen Seen. Zudem werden sie allgemein zur Referenzierung von Höhenmodellen benötigt. Andererseits sind, aufgrund der unvermeidbaren polaren Datenlücken von Satellitenbeobachtungen jenseits der Grenzbreite (sog. „Polloch“), terrestrische Schweredaten auch für die globale Schwerefeldmodellierung unerlässlich. Jedoch sind die verfügbaren terrestrischen (bodennahen) Schwerebeobachtungen insbesondere im Gebiet der Antarktis äußerst lückenhaft und heterogen. So entspricht das tatsächliche Auflösungsvermögen selbst aktueller kombinierter Schwerefeldmodelle wie EGM2008 oder EIGEN-6C über dem antarktischen Kontinent lediglich dem der reinen Satellitenmodelle aus GRACE bzw. GOCE. Des Weiteren sind Standardverfahren der regionalen Geoidmodellierung hier nicht ohne Weiteres anwendbar. Neben der Heterogenität der Daten als praktischer Herausforderung muss aus theoretischer Sicht dem zusätzlichen Dichtekontrast durch das Eis Rechnung getragen werden. Die vorliegende kumulative Dissertation greift diese Problematik auf. Während die einzelnen Publikationen die Ergebnisse ausgewählter regionaler Fallstudien präsentieren, soll die folgende zusammenfassende Abhandlung einen doppelten Bogen spannen, indem die geophysikalischen Phänomene gleichzeitig als zu untersuchende Anwendungsgebiete und als Einflussfaktoren im Kontext der regionalen Geoidmodellierung beschrieben werden. So wird am Beispiel der Weddellsee gezeigt, wie die Meereisbedeckung die Qualität und Zuverlässigkeit der mithilfe der Satellitenaltimetrie abgeleiteten Schwerefeldmodelle beeinträchtigt. Diese Modelle bilden derzeit die alleinige Datengrundlage für die hochauflösenden globalen Modelle im Gebiet des Antarktischen Ozeans. Zugleich wird anhand des verfeinerten regionalen Modells und daraus abgeleiteter geostrophischer Geschwindigkeiten demonstriert, dass selbst lückenhafte und heterogene terrestrische Daten hier einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur simultanen Kalibrierung und Vereinheitlichung des Datenbestandes leisten können. Im Ergebnis konnten in den küstennahen Gewässern Differenzen von mehreren Dezimetern gegenüber Geoidhöhen aus EGM2008 festgestellt werden, welche teils auf systematische Abweichungen und teils auf Rauschen im globalen Modell zurückzuführen sind. Über dem Festland erreicht dessen Vernachlässigungsfehler im quadratischen Mittel sogar 0,75 m und Maxima von über 3 m. Ein weiteres verfeinertes und, dank geeigneter Eingangsdaten, sehr genaues und hochauflösendes Geoidmodell wird für die Region um den Vostoksee in der Ostantarktis abgeleitet. In Kombination mit Eisoberflächenhöhen und Eisdicken gelingt es, das Schwimmgleichgewicht des subglazialen Sees nachzuweisen. Das gegenüber GOCE zusätzlich gewonnene Geoidsignal ist hier mit 0,56 m Standardabweichung zwar etwas kleiner, jedoch wird im Vergleich mit der residualen Auslenkung des Seespiegels (0,26 m Standardabweichung) auch für diese Anwendung der signifikante und gegenüber dem Auflösungsvermögen von GOCE auch notwendige Beitrag eines regionalen Geoidmodells deutlich. Für das hydrostatische Gleichgewicht eines subglazialen Sees ist streng genommen das tatsächliche Schwerepotential in Höhe des Seespiegels maßgeblich. Dessen Berechnung erfordert eine Fortsetzung des Störpotentials nach unten innerhalb der Topographie, welche konzeptionell in engem Zusammenhang mit dem bekannten Geoid-Quasigeoid-Separationsterm steht. Dessen oft angenommene Approximation mithilfe der Bougueranomalie kann, angesichts der heutigen Anforderungen an ein modernes zentimetergenaues Geoid, gerade in rauem Gelände zu ungenau sein. In Anlehnung an aktuelle Arbeiten auf diesem Gebiet wird ein verallgemeinerter und zugleich verfeinerter Ansatz zur praktischen Berechnung des Terms erarbeitet. Am Beispiel des Himalaya werden die einzelnen Anteile im Rahmen einer Simulationsstudie quantifiziert und insbesondere ihre Sensitivität gegenüber dem Integrationsradius der Topographie untersucht. Besonderes Augenmerk liegt ebenso auf dem indirekten Effekt der Topographie in Bezug auf das Potential, welcher, im Gegensatz zur Anwendung eines planaren Modells, in sphärischer Betrachtungsweise nicht verschwindet. / In many respects, regional gravity field modeling in polar areas is of special, and growing, interest. On the one hand, high-resolution and precise geoid models are an important input parameter to investigate and quantify manifold geophysical, oceanographical and glaciological phenomena, e.g., the determination of the mean dynamic ocean topography, or the application of the hydrostatic equilibrium condition in the areas of ice shelves, sea ice, or subglacial lakes. Moreover, geoid models are in general needed as a reference for height models. On the other hand, because of the unavoidable polar data gaps in satellite measurements due to the inclination (the so-called “polar gap”), terrestrial gravity data are indispensable also for global gravity field modeling. However, the available terrestrial (ground-based) gravity datasets, in particular of Antarctica, are very sparse and heterogeneous. For example, over the Antarctic continent the true resolution of even the most recent combined global geopotential models such as EGM2008 or EIGEN-6C only corresponds to that of the satellite-only models derived from GRACE and GOCE, respectively. Furthermore, standard techniques of regional geoid modeling cannot be readily used in this area. Apart from the heterogeneity of the data as a practical challenge the additional density contrast implied by the covering sheet needs to be accounted for from the theoretical point of view. This complex situation is the starting point for the present cumulative dissertation. Whereas the individual publications present the results of selected regional case studies, the intention of the following summary is to draw an integrated picture aiming at explaining the geophysical phenomena as both applications and influencing factors in the context of regional geoid modeling. Using the example of the Weddell Sea it is shown how sea-ice coverage affects the quality and reliability of marine gravity field models derived from radar satellite altimetry. At present, these models are the only input data to the high-resolution global geopotential models. At the same time, the refined regional model and geostrophic velocities derived thereof are employed to demonstrate how even sparse and heterogeneous terrestrial gravity data may provide a contribution to simultaneously calibrate and unify the available datasets. As a result, near the coast differences at the order of some decimeters could be observed in comparison with EGM2008, originating partly from systematic effects and noise in the global model. In the continental areas, its omission error even yields a standard deviation of 0.75 m and attains a maximum of more than 3 m. Another refined and, owing to appropriate input data, very precise and highly resolving geoid model is derived for the region around subglacial Lake Vostok. In combination with ice-surface heights and ice thickness data it is used to provide observational evidence that the lake is in a state of hydrostatic equilibrium. There, the additional geoid signal w.r.t. GOCE is a bit smaller (0.56 m standard deviation). However, considering the residual deviations of the apparent lake level (0.26 m standard deviation) the significant and necessary, as compared to the resolution of GOCE, contribution of a regional geoid model to this application is shown. In a strict sense, the relevant quantity to evaluate the hydrostatic equilibrium condition of a subglacial lake is the actual geopotential at the anticipated lake level. Its computation requires a downward continuation of the disturbing potential inside the topography, which is closely related to the concept of the well-known geoid-quasigeoid separation term. In the past, this term was frequently described as an approximation by means of the Bouguer anomaly. However, considering the modern requirements of the “one-centimeter geoid” this approximation may be too coarse over rough terrain. Following recent works in this field, a generalized yet refined approach for practical implementation of the term is developed. The individual constituents of the term are quantified. In particular, their sensitivity against the radius up to which topography is taken into account is investigated. For this simulation study, the Himalaya mountain region served as test area. Furthermore, special focus is given to the indirect of topography on the potential which, contrary to applying a planar model, does not vanish in the spherical approach.