Europeans launch GOCE gravity mapper mission

William Atkins
Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:54

Science - Space

The mapping of the Earth’s gravity field will benefit Earth science, in general, here on Earth, but it will be especially noteworthy for geodesy, oceanography, and geophysics.

For geodesy (the science of scientifically measuring the Earth’s surface), the mission will provide a more accurate model for heights of the Earth’s surfaces around the globe.

This will help to eliminate much of the uncertainties for various landmass regions, countries, and continents.

For oceanography (the science of scientifically studying the Earth’s oceans), a more accurate measurement, and resulting better knowledge, of the gravity field on Earth will significantly reduce uncertainties regarding heat and mass transfer of Earth’s oceans, along with other physical characteristics of our oceans.

This will improve our ability to forecast climate and weather here on Earth.

For geophysics (the science of scientifically studying the physical processes on Earth), the mission will provide three-dimensional mapping of density variations in the Earth’s crust and upper mantle.

The study and prediction of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, will be improved due to this mission.

Volker Liebig, director of the ESA Earth Observation Program, stated, “This launch success marks the dawn of a new generation of Earth sciences satellites in Europe. It is the first of a new generation of small, dedicated science satellites and it paves the way for more Earth Explorer missions. The scientists are urgently awaiting the data sets from these missions. We have four more launches due over the next two years; this means that we are in for a very busy time." [ESA]

To learn more about the GOCE mission, please go to the ESA website GOCE Earth Explorers.