Mass distribution and mass transport in the Earth system

Melting of continental ice sheets and glaciers, changes in ocean circulation pattern and in sea level, variations of surface and ground water levels and river discharge, glacial-isostatic adjustment, mantle convection and tectonics, all this causes transport and (re-) distribution of mass inside the Earth and at its surface. Equipped with precise sensor systems, gravity field and altimeter satellites observe these mass-transport processes. During 2006–2012, the German Research Association DFG had established the SPP 1257, ‘Mass distribution and Mass Transport in the Earth System’ as a coordinated research programme to facilitate integrated analysis of these data, to improve our knowledge about several transport processes within the Earth system and to investigate their interactions. This special issue reports about the findings of the first 4 years within the programme.