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Global surface mass anomalies observed by the GRACE-FO satellites (for the month indicated on the map). Over land, red colors indicate below-average terrestrial water amounts, while blue colors show above-average water amounts (including ice, snow, soil moisture and groundwater. Over oceans, red colors indicate below-average ocean bottom pressure, while blue colors show above-average bottom pressure. Ocean bottom pressure changes are related to large-scale ocean current variations, as well as overall sea level changes from ocean mass changes.
The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission provides valuable data on Earth’s changing water storage by continuously measuring variations in the planet’s gravitational field. These changes reflect shifts in the distribution of water across oceans, glaciers, and land-based reservoirs. By detecting even slight variations in gravitational forces, the satellites track fluctuations in groundwater levels, ice sheet mass, and surface water resources.
GRACE-FO consists of two satellites orbiting Earth in tandem, separated by approximately 220 kilometers. As water redistributes due to natural and human-induced processes, regional gravitational changes alter the distance between the satellites. A precise microwave ranging system measures these variations with an accuracy of a few microns, allowing scientists to infer shifts in Earth’s water storage over time.
One primary contribution of GRACE-FO is its ability to provide insights into groundwater depletion. Many regions rely on underground aquifers for agriculture, industry, and drinking water. Traditional methods of monitoring groundwater levels, such as well measurements, offer limited spatial coverage. The satellite observations complement these local measurements by providing large-scale assessments of water depletion trends. For instance, data from GRACE missions have revealed significant groundwater losses in heavily irrigated regions like the Central Valley in California, as well as parts of northern India and the Middle East.
In addition to groundwater assessments, GRACE-FO tracks ice sheet and glacier mass balance. Melting ice contributes to rising sea levels, and monitoring ice loss is essential for understanding long-term climate changes. Observations from GRACE-FO, along with its predecessor mission, indicate ongoing ice mass reductions in Greenland and Antarctica. These measurements help refine climate models and improve predictions of future sea-level changes.
Surface water storage, including lakes, rivers, and man-made reservoirs, is another key focus of GRACE-FO. By detecting shifts in water mass, the satellites provide insights into the impact of droughts, floods, and seasonal precipitation patterns. Data have been used to study major hydrological events, such as the long-term drying of the Aral Sea and seasonal changes in large river basins like the Amazon and the Mississippi.
Since its launch, GRACE-FO has significantly enhanced the ability to monitor Earth’s water storage on a global scale. The data it provides are essential for understanding long-term hydrological trends and responding to emerging water resource challenges.
Data from GRACE-FO have been widely integrated into water resource management, climate science, and disaster response efforts. Governments, researchers, and policymakers use the satellite observations to make informed decisions on water conservation, infrastructure planning, and environmental protection. For instance, hydrologists rely on GRACE-FO data to assess the sustainability of groundwater extraction and implement strategies to mitigate overuse in water-stressed regions.
In agriculture, GRACE-FO data contribute to improving drought assessments. By detecting groundwater depletion trends, scientists can alert farmers and water managers to declining water availability, allowing proactive steps to be taken. Coupling GRACE-FO observations with meteorological data enhances seasonal forecasts and helps optimize irrigation practices, reducing the pressure on depleted water sources.
The mission also plays a role in monitoring flood risks. Changes in terrestrial water storage can indicate areas where excess water accumulation increases the likelihood of flooding. Integrating GRACE-FO data with hydrological models improves early warning systems, which support disaster preparedness efforts and minimize economic losses. Regions prone to extreme weather events, such as monsoons or rapid snowmelt, benefit from this capability by improving response strategies before severe flooding occurs.
GRACE-FO’s ability to track ice sheet and glacier mass loss contributes to research on sea-level change. These measurements inform coastal infrastructure planning and help predict future risks to low-lying communities. In combination with satellite altimetry and climate models, GRACE-FO’s data refine projections of how ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica will influence global sea levels over the coming decades.
Looking ahead, the insights provided by GRACE-FO will continue to aid climate adaptation efforts. The ongoing collection of water storage data supports sustainable resource management by identifying emerging trends in hydrological extremes. As technology advances, future missions may build upon GRACE-FO’s approach to deliver even higher-resolution measurements, further enhancing the ability to study Earth’s water systems in detail.
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