GNET, the Greenland GNSS-Network, is a network of over 70 measuring stations distributed along the coasts of Greenland. GNET constitutes the geodetic infrastructure in Greenland and, with its precise data, provides solid knowledge to climate researchers worldwide.
The measuring stations are GNSS measuring stations (Global Navigation Satellite System). Their combined data shows how Greenland is moving. Each individual measuring station is anchored in the bedrock and, via satellites, continuously measures its own position both horizontally and vertically.
In this way, The Danish Agency for Climate Data can obtain a very accurate picture of how Greenland is moving. Calculations of the data show, for example, that Greenland is rising by up to 4 cm per year as a result of the ice sheet melting. GNET is therefore important for understanding and predicting the climate both regionally, nationally and internationally.
GNET is also used to create a connection between national and international reference systems, which is a fundamental prerequisite for accurate land and nautical charting, sovereignty enforcement, etc.
The Greenland GNSS-Network (GNET) was established in 2007-2009 in connection with climate research projects in, among other places, the USA and Denmark. The Danish Agency for Climate Data took over ownership of GNET from the US National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2019. The Danish Agency for Climate Data, as the geodetic authority, has overall responsibility for the continued development and maintenance of GNET.
A Valuable Contribution to Climate Research
Data from the GNET stations is an important source of knowledge for climate researchers. When the ice sheet melts or other shifts occur in the ice mass, this affects the underlying bedrock, in which the GNET stations are anchored.
In this way, researchers can use the changes in elevation of the bedrock to calculate how quickly the ice sheet is melting.
GNET data is freely available from The Danish Data and Map Supply.