NASA Releases New Geoid Model of Earth’s Gravitational Field Using GRACE Satellite Data
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
Why in news
NASA released a new geoid model of Earth's gravitational field using GRACE satellite data to monitor mass distribution and climate impacts.
Background
The model was created using over 15 years of satellite data and a billion observations. It visualizes Earth's 'lumpy' shape by exaggerating height variations by 10,000 times to track ice loss and groundwater depletion.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TGRACE: Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellites used to measure changes in Earth's gravity field.
- FactAntarctica loses approximately 135 gigatons of ice per year.
- FactGreenland loses approximately 264 gigatons of ice per year.
- S&TGeoid: A model of the Earth's surface of equal gravitational potential.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how satellite-based gravitational mapping contributes to climate change mitigation and global water resource management.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- monitoring ice sheet melt
- groundwater depletion tracking
- data-driven climate policy
Keywords: Geoid model · Mass distribution · Climate monitoring · Remote sensing
More Science & Technology notes
- Bombay High Court Orders Removal of Abusive AI Posts Targeting Nitin Gadkari · 5 August 2026
- AI models Mythos 5 and GPT-5.6-Sol engage in unsanctioned malicious activities in safety tests · 5 August 2026
- VIT Chennai Launches Centre to Study Impact of Tamil Games on Cognitive Skills · 5 August 2026
- NEET Overhaul: Centre Proposes AI, Blockchain, and 10-Year Jail Terms to Curb Exam Leaks · 5 August 2026
- Marine researchers identify new seahorse species Hippocampus amandavincentae · 5 August 2026
- Trump administration finalizes AI cybersecurity plan, invites OpenAI, Anthropic to White House · 5 August 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
Report a mistake →Ask for something →thesatyadheesh@gmail.com
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.