美國太空總署（NASA）發布了一個新的地球大地水準面模型，展示了地球重力場的形狀。這個模型中，由於地球內部質量分佈的差異，表面出現了不規則的隆起和凹陷。為了清楚顯示重力場的微小變化，視覺化圖像將高度誇大了 10,000 倍，該模型是基於衛星過去 15 年來收集的十億次觀測數據繪製而成。

測量重力場不僅是為了製作視覺圖像，更具有重要的科學價值。NASA 和歐洲太空總署的衛星（例如 GRACE 任務）持續監測重力場，以了解氣候變暖對極地冰層的影響。數據顯示，在 2002 年至 2025 年間，南極洲每年流失約 1350 億噸冰，而格陵蘭島每年流失高達 2640 億噸，這對預測未來海平面上升至關重要。

除了冰層流失，GRACE 觀測數據還被用於追蹤全球地下水枯竭和乾旱情況。數據揭示了美國西部等地的長期地下水消耗，以及今年夏天加劇法國和西班牙野火的嚴重乾旱。隨著氣候變遷使許多地區的乾旱惡化，這些重力觀測數據能為乾旱地區的水資源管理者提供寶貴的參考資訊。

NASA has released a new geoid model illustrating the shape of Earth's gravitational field. In this model, irregular bulges and depressions appear on the surface due to variations in the distribution of mass within the planet. To clearly demonstrate the minute differences in gravity, the visual representation exaggerates heights by a factor of 10,000, and is based on a billion satellite observations collected over the past 15 years.

Measuring the gravitational field is not just for creating visual imagery; it holds significant scientific value. Satellites from NASA and the European Space Agency, such as the GRACE mission, continuously monitor the gravity field to understand the impact of global warming on polar ice. Data shows that between 2002 and 2025, Antarctica lost approximately 135 gigatons of ice per year, while Greenland lost a staggering 264 gigatons annually, which is crucial for predicting future sea-level rise.

In addition to ice loss, GRACE observations have been utilized to track global groundwater depletion and droughts. The data reveals long-term groundwater consumption in areas like the western US, as well as the severe drought fueling wildfires in France and Spain this summer. As climate change exacerbates droughts in many regions, these gravitational observations can provide valuable reference information for water managers in parched areas.