Reference Systems and Geodynamics

Head of department : R. Verbeiren

The activities are distributed among two sections. They concern:

• Time, Earth Rotation and Space Geodesy (head of section: V. Dehant)
  • determination of time at a national and international level and collaboration as such with the 'Bureau International des Poids et Mesures'
  • precise positioning; initially based on meridian astronomy, this research is since 1966 carried out through space geodesy and presently through the system of GPS satellites.
  • studies on earth rotation and reference frames: theory of precession / nutation.
• Seismology, Earth Tides and Gravimetry (head of section: R. Verbeiren)
  • surveillance of seismicity on the belgian territory since 1905.
  • gravimetry since 1925. Densification of the network and determination of the local geoid.
  • the observation and interpretation of earth tides since 1957. The International Center of Earth Tides (ICET) has its seat at the R.O.B. since 1960.

The department is also strongly involved in the activities of the European Center for Geodynamics and Seismology (ECGS) in G.D. Luxemburg and the Underground Laboratory of Walferdange.

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