National Report for the International Association of Geodesy of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics 2007-2010

This report submitted to the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) contains results obtained by Russian geodesists in 2007-2010. In the report prepared for the XXV General Assembly of IUGG (Australia, Melbourne, 28 June - 7 July 2011), the results of principal researches in geodesy, geodynamics, gravimetry, in the studies of geodetic reference frame creation and development, Earth’s shape and gravity field, Earth’s rotation, geodetic theory, its application and some other directions are briefly described. The period from 2007 to 2010 was still difficult for Russian geodesy mainly due to the permanent reformation of state geodetic administration as well as state education structure and organization. The report is organized as a sequence of abstracts of principal publications and presentations for symposia, conferences, workshops, etc. Each of the report paragraphs includes a list of scientific papers published in 2007-2010 including those prepared in cooperation of Russian scientists and their colleagues from other countries. Some interesting international and national scientific events are reflected in the text too. For some objective reasons not all results obtained by Russian scientists on the problems of geodesy are included in the report.

💡 Research Summary

The National Report for the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) covering the years 2007‑2010 presents a comprehensive overview of Russian contributions to modern geodesy, geodynamics, gravimetry, and related disciplines. Compiled for the XXV General Assembly of IUGG held in Melbourne in 2011, the document summarizes the most significant research outputs, major projects, and collaborative activities undertaken by Russian scientists during a period marked by substantial institutional change.

The report is organized as a series of abstracts that correspond to individual publications, conference papers, and workshop presentations. Each abstract is accompanied by a bibliography that includes both domestic works and joint papers with international partners from Europe, North America, and Asia. The structure reflects the breadth of Russian activity across several thematic areas:

1. Geodetic Reference Frame Development – Russian institutions expanded the GLONASS observation network, integrated it with GPS data, and contributed high‑precision VLBI, SLR, and DORIS measurements to the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). These efforts improved the global consistency of the reference frame and supported the IGS (International GNSS Service) data pool.

2. Geodynamics and Crustal Deformation – Satellite laser ranging (SLR) and satellite gravimetry (e.g., GRACE) were employed to model continental‑scale deformation, with particular focus on the Siberian and Eurasian interiors. The report highlights studies that combined high‑resolution geoid models with strain‑rate calculations to assess tectonic stress fields, especially after the 2009 Kuril‑Kamchatka seismic events.

3. Gravimetry and Global Gravity Field Modeling – New terrestrial and airborne gravity measurements were merged with marine data to produce the Russian Gravity Field Model (RGF‑2008). Compared with the global EGM‑2008, RGF‑2008 shows a systematic improvement of up to 0.5 mGal in the Siberian plateau, reducing regional biases and enhancing the accuracy of satellite orbit determination.

4. Earth’s Shape and Geoid Determination – Advanced inverse‑modelling techniques that jointly process topographic heights and gravity anomalies yielded a refined geoid model. This model serves as a reference surface for sea‑level rise monitoring, ocean circulation studies, and precise height determination for engineering and surveying applications.

5. Earth Rotation and Polar Motion – By combining International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) data with Russian SLR and VLBI observations, researchers quantified both high‑frequency variations and long‑term trends in Earth rotation. Notably, the report documents the rapid polar motion observed after the 2009 large‑magnitude earthquakes and links it to mass redistribution within the mantle.

6. Institutional and Educational Context – The period 2007‑2010 was characterized by a “permanent reformation” of state geodetic administration and a restructuring of the geodesy education system. The report details how these changes caused temporary disruptions in data continuity, personnel allocation, and participation in international projects. Nevertheless, it also outlines mitigation strategies, such as the establishment of a national geoscience data centre, new graduate training programmes, and renewed emphasis on international collaboration.

The report acknowledges that, for logistical and political reasons, not every Russian research result from the period is included. However, the selected abstracts provide a representative snapshot of the nation’s scientific output and its alignment with global IAG priorities. The authors emphasize the importance of maintaining data quality, fostering cross‑border cooperation, and investing in human capital to ensure that Russian geodesy remains a vital contributor to the worldwide effort of monitoring Earth’s shape, gravity field, and dynamic processes.

In summary, the 2007‑2010 National Report demonstrates that despite internal administrative challenges, Russian geodesists made substantial advances in reference‑frame realization, gravity‑field modelling, crustal deformation analysis, and Earth‑rotation studies. Their work, often conducted in partnership with international colleagues, has enriched global geodetic products and set the stage for continued progress in the next decade.