The World of Gravity According to Rapp

Abstract

A former advisee, student, apprentice, and now colleague gives a historical account of Richard H. Rapp’s contributions to our knowledge of the Earth’s gravity field. Clearly, his most prominent products are the spherical harmonic degree models that have emphasized theoretical rigor, wide geodetic applicability, and computational economy, and that are used by scientists and professionals throughout the world. Though the study and development of these models occupied the center of Richard Rapp’s attention over most of his career, he contributed much to related endeavors, including gravity estimation techniques, geoid determination, satellite altimetry data processing, ellipsoidal parameter determination, world height datum definition, sea surface topography, and ocean circulation models. Richard Rapp’s forte and credo are the numerics of data, always with a keen understanding of the underlying theory that they ought to support. His proven methods, organization, and enthusiasm were inculcated in many of his students who now also practice what he (still) preaches.