On the selection of GRACE-based GGMs and a filtering method for estimating mass variations in the Earth system over Poland

Since the launch of the GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment) satellite mission in 2002, significant progress in the knowledge regarding the temporal variations of the Earth’s gravity field has been achieved. The main objectives of this contribution are to define a suitable filter to reduce the noise contained in the latest release, i.e. RL05, of GRACE-based GGMs as well as to select the most suitable GRACE-based GGM time series for estimating mass variations in the Earth system over Poland. The performance of the Gaussian filter with different radii and the de-correlation filters (DDK1–DDK5) applied to reduce the noise contained in those GGMs was examined. First, they were investigated globally. Then, they were examined over the area of Poland, in particular, over two basins, i.e. the Vistula river basin and the Odra river basin. Moreover, both the internal and external accuracy of RL05 GRACE-based GGMs were assessed. Error degree variances of geoid heights were calculated on the basis of these models. Equivalent water thickness variations obtained from GRACE-based GGMs were compared with the corresponding ones obtained from the hydrology model. The obtained results were analysed and discussed. Finally the filtering method and the GGM time series most suitable for estimating mass variations in the Earth system over Poland were selected.