GOCE – the ultimate way to see what’s “under Earth’s hood”

Most of our articles and information are about space exploration, our solar system or fascinating things beyond it.  But this is so interesting that we just had to include it.

GOCE stands for Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer, or GOEC satellite for short by the European Space Agency.  (Evidently they like acyronyms as much as our government does).

And what it does is short of amazing.  It’s mission was technically over about 12 years ago, but with some ingineuity (and super low orbit), the gravity data it still provides has given us super insight into Earth’s inner structure, including where oil and gas reserves may be.

An interesting read by anyone’s standard! …

Details

• Title Geophysics with GOCE
• Released 27/07/2015
• Length 00:01:56
• Language English
• Footage Type Animation
• Copyright Planetary Visions
• DescriptionTo be able to measure the strength of Earth’s gravity, the GOCE satellite flew in an extraordinarily low orbit about 255 km high – about 500 km lower than most Earth observation satellites. At the end of 2012, low fuel consumption allowed operators to extend the mission’s life and start to lower the satellite a further 31 km for even more accurate measurements. This was at the very limit of its capability but maximised the return for science. Although GOCE’s mission ended in October 2013, the data from this low orbit have improved our understanding of Earth’s interior, including the location of oil and gas.

 SEARCHING FOR UNDERGROUND ENERGY SOURCES FROM SPACE

27 July 2015

Data from ESA’s GOCE gravity satellite are being used to improve models of Earth’s geology, indicating the potential locations of subsurface energy sources.

The satellite known as the ‘Ferrari of space’ has measured Earth’s gravity with unrivalled precision, thanks to its extraordinarily low orbit about 255 km high – about 500 km lower than most Earth observation satellites.

…… Although GOCE’s mission ended in October 2013, the gravity data from this super-low orbit has improved our understanding of Earth’s interior, including identifying areas where oil and gas – the primary energy source for today’s civilisations – might be present.3D models of Earth’s underground are traditionally based on information acquired on the ground. Gravity data from the GOCE satellite, however, provide homogeneous coverage in high resolution, which is being used to improve and validate models based on traditional datasets.

Pinpointing hyrodcarbon maturity

Models based on GOCE data show subsurface density and its vertical and lateral variability, which provides insight into varying geological compositions and temperatures. Estimating the structure and thermal state of Earth’s crust provides clues into the heat of shallower sedimentary rocks, and thus the potential location of oil and gas accumulations.

…… “This is especially useful for remote areas that are difficult, expensive and time-consuming to explore.”

To read the full article, please visit esa.int