European Geosciences Union
Division on Geodesy
President: Johannes Böhm (g@egu.eu)
Deputy President: Annette Eicker
(annette.eicker@hcu-hamburg.de)
Traditionally geodesy is the science of the measurement and the mapping of the Earth’s surface. Since the surface is mainly shaped by the Earth’s gravity field the classical definition includes the Earth’s gravitational potential. Observing the Earth figure, the orientation and rotation as well as the gravity field, geodesy today provides spatial and temporal patterns of geophysical processes within the Earth system such as sea level rise, tides, melting of continental ice masses, changes in global water circulation and in the atmosphere or deformations of the solid Earth. Consequently, the geodesy division covers activities on the whole spectrum of modern geodetic Earth system modeling from the measurement systems to the investigation of geophysical processes.
The 2021 Vening Meinesz Medal is awarded to Christopher Jekeli for his pioneering work on theory, methodology, and application of geodetic measurement techniques, in particular to determine the Earth’s gravity field using spaceborne, airborne, and terrestrial sensors.
The 2020 Vening Meinesz Medal is awarded to Willi Freeden for his pioneering work in combining a comprehensive mathematical theory with fundamental geodetic problems and advanced applications in Earth system sciences and global change studies.
The 2020 Division Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award is awarded to Karina Wilgan for the development of new methods for the integration of GNSS delays, meteorological observations and numerical weather prediction models for applications in InSAR and GNSS.
The general assembly 2021 is approaching, Annette Eicker will take over as new division president, now we also need a new, fresh early career scientist (ECS) to take over the role of the ECS-representative. But what do you have to do as an ECS-representative? And where can you sign up? Early career scientists represent a significant share of the EGU general assembly attendees. It is therefore desirable to involve this group not only as participants, but also on the division …
In February The Loupe celebrates this month’s three successful missions to Mars, including the unique science and symbolism of the first Arab mission to the Red Planet. Because the data from this mission will be openly shared, it lets all scientists embark on an exciting journey to explore the secrets of our neighbouring planet’s atmosphere together. This issue features three EGU divisions: Geosciences Instrumentation and Data Systems (GI), Planetary and Solar System Sciences (PS), and Solar-Terrestrial Sciences (ST).
The Loupe also highlights everything you need to know about the vEGU21 scientific sessions, 5 key new initiatives the Union implemented in 2020, and two blogs with lighthearted tips for a greener EGU21 and some lessons you can take from this year’s virtual General Assembly to make your in-person conferences greener.
In addition to the latest Journal Watch and GeoRoundup of February EGU journal highlights, this issue also looks at what Union leaders hope they can achieve in the next few years and tackles the ‘rotten’ topic of how Europe should deal with its waste.