Mass changes from GRACE data in Argentina: A preliminary qualitative analysis

Abstract

Gravimetric satellite missions have introduced a new concept in gravitational field modeling, providing valuable information about the geodynamic behavior of our planet. The GRACE satellite mission allows obtaining monthly variations of the gravity field for a certain region; furthermore, in particular these changes can be related to terrestrial water storage and postglacial rebound, for example. The aim of this work is to analyze the temporal variation of the gravity field as measured over Argentina, provided by four different GRACE processing centers: CSR, JPL, GFZ and BGI. All the solutions detected the significant mass changes of the area, thought there are some discrepancies between the four GRACE processing centers. Gravity trend as well as amplitude maps of these variations for the period 2002- 2008 show important features in three zones: Patagonia, La Plata basin, and the Andes Mountain chain. The gravity changes in the first two areas are mainly related to the continental water redistribution; and in the third one, with seismic movements. Also, the profiles over the three areas with the gravity trend and amplitude variations are shown.