Interdependencies in the Mascon Processing Chain for Gravity Field Recovery

Satellite gravity missions provide a unique capability to observe mass transport processes within the Earth system. Within the framework of the ESA MPEF study, this contribution investigates alternative mascon-based gravity field parameterizations with the objective of developing a robust TUM mascon solution. Rather than treating regularization as a purely numerical post-processing step, it is considered an integral component of an optimized processing chain that jointly accounts for grid design, parameterization choice, and regularization strength. An automated simulation environment based on a GRACE-like mission geometry is employed to systematically analyze the interaction between grid design, mascon parameterization, and regularization strength on global and regional scales. This framework enables consistent gravity field recovery against reference models as well as targeted regional investigations, allowing the impact of different processing choices on solution stability and signal preservation to be assessed.

The results demonstrate how the different modeling choices interact and reveal which combinations of parameters the system is most sensitive to. In particular, while the type of basis function has a relatively minor effect, the interplay between grid complexity and the strength and implementation of regularization emerges as a key driver of solution stability and accuracy. The analysis shows that appropriate combinations enable robust global solutions with high signal recovery, while simultaneously enhancing the representation of regional mass variations. Deviations with respect to reference models, expressed in Equivalent Water Height, allow systematic assessment of remaining errors and their dependence on specific processing choices. Changes in the processing chain highlight which aspects of the solution are particularly sensitive, demonstrating both favorable and unfavorable strategies. Overall, the study tries to clarify the mechanisms through which parameter interactions shape the behavior of TUM-Mascon solutions within the ESA MPEF framework, offering guidance for optimized gravity field recovery strategies.