Long-term stability of the terrestrial reference frame

For many Earth science applications, geodesy has the potential to provide a Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF) to which are related valuable observations of parameters that govern the Earth system. In this paper, we review the current status of space geodesy techniques in terms of TRF implementation, focussing on technique specific strengths and limitations. Based on available time series of station positions and Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) provided by the different techniques, we examine individual TRF long-term stabilities and their combination over the frame parameters (origin, scale and orientation) as well as the attached EOP's. In order to achieve the "best" TRF establishment, the impact and proper handling of station specific behavior such as non-linear motion and/or seasonal variation will be emphasized. Results of these analysis will be used to help drawing up goals and improvements for the future release of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame. (c) 2005 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.