A Holistic Overview of the Applications of Grace-Observed Terrestrial Water Storage in Hydrology and Climate Science

Abstract

Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS) represents a vital element of the hydrological cycle, with its fluctuations significantly impacting the climate of the Earth and its ecological balance. Since its launch in 2002, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission has revolutionized the ability to observe and analyze large-scale mass changes within Earth's system components. This paper offers a comprehensive and current overview of GRACE satellite gravimetry, highlighting its relevance to hydrological and climate-related studies. It outlines the fundamental measurement principles of the GRACE mission, provides an in-depth explanation of GRACE data products (including spherical harmonic and mascon solutions), examines emerging trends in GRACE-based research, and reviews key applications in hydrology and climate science. Additionally, it addresses the major challenges in utilizing GRACE data and explores promising avenues for future research and applications.