Launched in March 2009 from Plesetsk in NW Russia the ESA’s Gravity Field and Steady State Ocean Circulation Explorer is obtaining significant results from its investigation into the Earth’s gravity model.
Using a state of the art gradiometer accelerations in gravity are measured to an incredible one tenth of a million, millionth of gravity. Unprecedented achievements in refining current gravity models are expected, along with the potential to create a new universal height reference system (Geoid) for the planet.
Rune Floberghagen, ESA’s Goce Mission Manager, was reported by the BBC as saying:
“You see where there are big variations, for example in the mountain range of the Andes, or the Mariana Trench, or the Indonesian Arc, or the Himalayas. In fact, on most of the continents, you see a lot of variation,”
Goce has been described as the most beautiful satellite ever built
Along with the obvious benefit for surveying as a whole, with a universal terrestrial datum, Goce also aims to help shed light on crustal instability and magma movements, tidal heave and behaviour and also ice sheet mass-loss.
Compared to existing models, it is clear Goce has something new to offer
For the full article and gravity gradient map please see use the following link