Dynamic Heights From Recent Experimental Geopotential Models

Abstract:

Dynamic heights are useful for applications involving the flow of water and determination of heights above water surfaces. Water flows "down," because the geopotential energy that was stored is released. These lower surfaces actually have a greater geopotential value as you move closer to the center of the Earth. Hence, models of the Earth's geopotential field can be used to evaluate the water flow by determining dynamic heights. Dynamic heights are scaled geopotential values usually determined by dividing by a constant value for gravity (e.g., normal gravity value at 45 degrees latitude). Dynamic heights determined along a river or lake surface can be compared to actual river/lake datums or observations at water stations. This approach has been examined previously on larger bodies of water (the Great Lakes) but also has applicability in other regions, which are examined here.