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Gravity Anomaly Map Using GRACE Data
Gravity anomaly map using GRACE data.
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Visualization of the mass change over Greenland from January 2004 through June 2014.
GRACE Mission Measures Global Ice Mass Changes
This image shows the mean annual amplitude of total water storage on Earth in 2007 as measured by GRACE.
Total Water Storage from GRACE, 2007
For 15 years, the GRACE mission has unlocked mysteries of how water moves around our planet. It gave us the first view of underground aquifers from space, and shows how fast polar ice sheets and mo...
15 Years of GRACE Earth Observations
The GRACE-FO satellites were assembled by Airbus Defence and Space in Germany. The photo shows the satellites in the testing facility of IABG, an Airbus subcontractor, in Munich (view 1).
GRACE-FO Satellites During Testing
The rainy and dry seasons in the Amazon Basin in 2004, revealed by gravity anomalies observed by GRACE. Reds and pinks show where and when mass was higher than average, a sign that more water was p...
Rainy and Dry Seasons in the Amazon (2004)
A simplified example of how the distance between the GRACE-FO satellites changes as they pass from the Caribbean Sea across Colombia and Peru.
How GRACE-FO Measures Gravity
Illustration of GRACE-FO in orbit (view 4)
Illustration of GRACE-FO (View 4)
Gravity variations studied by GRACE can be used to determine ground water storage on land masses.
Global Terrestrial Water Storage Anomaly
Illustration of GRACE-FO above Alaska.
Illustration of GRACE-FO Above Alaska
Changes in total water storage on Earth in 2007, as measured by GRACE.
Water Storage on Earth in 2007
Between 2002 and 2016, Antarctica shed approximately 125 gigatons of ice per year, causing global sea level to rise by 0.35 millimeters per year.
Antarctic Ice Loss 2002-2016
NASA JPL-UC Irvine glaciologist Eric Rignot explains how glaciers in West Antarctica are changing.
West Antarctic Collapse
The twin satellites of NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-on, or GRACE-FO, will track the movement of water around Earth. This short video explains how and why it's important.
Why Is GRACE-FO So Important?
This map from September 2015 shows deep drought in California, Nevada and Texas.
Groundwater Drought Indicator
The rocket carrying GRACE-FO lifts off into a blue sky, with the Pacific Ocean beneath it.
GRACE-FO Launch, Sky and Sea
GRACE-FO mission logo
GRACE-FO Logo
Illustration of GRACE-FO in orbit (view 3).
GRACE-FO in Orbit (View 3)
The Laser Ranging Interferometer instrument.
Laser Ranging Interferometer
An artist's rendering of the twin GRACE-FO spacecraft.
GRACE-FO Rendering
Illustration of GRACE-FO in orbit (view 5).
GRACE-FO in Orbit (View 5)
Monthly changes in ocean bottom pressure data obtained by the GRACE satellites from November 2002 to January 2012.
Ocean Bottom Pressure 2002-2012
This visualization displays monthly GRACE data in the Amazon basin, demonstrating water storage and movement.
Amazon Basin Monthly GRACE Data
A long exposure of the GRACE-FO launch from Vandenberg
GRACE-FO Launch, Long Exposure
Research based on GRACE observations indicates that between 2002 and 2016, Greenland shed approximately 280 gigatons of ice per year.
Greenland Ice Loss 2002-2016
GRACE-FO arriving at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, from Germany.
GRACE-FO Arrives at Vandenberg
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Several regions around the world are seeing marked declines in water availability, according to a paper published in the journal Science Advances on July 25. The study, partially funded by NASA, found that dry areas are increasing by about twice the size of California each year.
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