First absolute gravity measurements at the French station Dumont d’Urville (Antarctica)

We present the first series of absolute gravity measurements at the French station Dumont d’Urville in Antarctica where GPS, DORIS and tide gauge continuous series are available. These gravity observations have been performed with the absolute gravimeter FG5#206 during one week in February-March 2000. We report on the field conditions of the experiment for which a thermally regulated shelter has been built and discuss the quality of the results. A special attention is paid to the influence of tidal ocean loading and different corrections according to existing models are tested. We also use this opportunity to establish a gravimetric link with the tide gauge of Dumont d’Urville in order to provide a geodetic Refserence. The tide gauge belongs to the ROSAME network and we used a Scintrex CG3-M relative gravimeter to perform this measurement. In the long term, it is essential to be able to distinguish between any vertical motion of tectonic origin and the true sea level changes. Furthermore, we have established a precise gravimetric link between Hobart (Tasmania) and Dumont d’Urville, which will be useful for future marine geophysical campaigns in this region.