Using Satellite-Based Terrestrial Water Storage Data: A Review

Area of Science:

• Earth System Science
• Hydrology
• Climate Science

Background:

• Terrestrial water storage (TWS) is crucial for Earth's climate, ecosystems, and human activities.
• Spaceborne missions like GRACE provide global TWS change data since 2002.
• Existing TWS datasets have limitations not always clear to users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an accessible overview of GRACE TWS measurement concepts and data products.
• To clarify technical terms and concepts related to TWS data.
• To guide users on effective data utilization and potential pitfalls.

Main Methods:

• Review of GRACE mission data processing and measurement principles.
• Illustration of key concepts and data products.
• Summarization of recommendations for data usage and application.

Main Results:

• An overview of GRACE TWS data products and their underlying concepts.
• Identification of common limitations and technical terms.
• Recommendations for integrating TWS data with other datasets.

Conclusions:

• Facilitating interdisciplinary research through clear understanding of satellite-based TWS data.
• Supporting future research by addressing data limitations and promoting proper usage.
• Enhancing the application of GRACE TWS data in hydrology and climate science.