What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to create mascons from GRACE and GRACE-FO data for improved studies of ocean mass transport and dynamics.

May 24, 2026Open Access

GRACE and GRACE-FO mascons for ocean dynamic applications

Key Points

The aim is to create mascons from GRACE and GRACE-FO data for improved studies of ocean mass transport and dynamics.
Developed a series of mascons designed for oceanographic applications.
Pre-removed non-oceanographic signals from major earthquakes and GRD changes.
Adjusted processing schemes to minimize instrument and orbital error visibility.
The dataset allows for easier use without additional corrections needed.
Designed to be user-friendly for researchers less familiar with GRACE data.
Effective in monitoring subtle variations in ocean dynamics, especially in the Arctic.

Abstract

Abstract. A new series of mascons are made from GRACE and GRACE-FO data, specifically designed for use by oceanographers interested in studying variations in ocean mass transport and circulation. This series has pre-removed those changes in ocean mass distribution caused by barystatic gravity, rotation, and deformation (GRD) signals, as well as the non-oceanographic signals caused by four major oceanic earthquakes, neither of which impact circulation. Subtle changes in the processing and regularization schemes also help reduce the visibility of instrument/orbital errors in the ocean signal, particularly in the Arctic and near the sites of the removed earthquakes. The primary benefit of this data set is increased ease of use for researchers interested in ocean dynamics, as the product is designed to be used “off the shelf” with no additional corrections required, even by those less familiar with GRACE data usage. The complete dataset is available at https://doi.org/10.18738/T8/3VUPEW (Pie et al., 2025).

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