Gravity variations in polar and sub-Antarctic regions – Constraints on post-glacial rebound and present-day ice melting

Combined absolute gravity measurements, surface displacements, time-variable gravity field from satellite missions and ice thickness over the major ice shelfs are needed in order to separate present-day ice mass loss from the visco-elastic rebound due to the last deglaciation in the Pleistocene period. Over the last 20 years, we selected and regularly measured at 5 different sites: Ny-Âlesund (Svalbard), Dumont d’Urville (Antarctica), as well as Amsterdam, Crozet et Kerguelen islands (Indian Ocean). Since 2018, these measurements are disseminated through the Gravimetric National Observatory Service and the International Gravimetric Bureau.

The free-fall absolute gravimeter FG5 #206 is the prime instrument, acquired in 1998 and under the management of EOST.