Global Evaluation of GRACE Mascon Products in Monitoring Glacier Mass Balance

In this work, we analyze the mass balance of Earth's Glaciers and Ice Caps (GICs) using time-variable gravity data from NASA/DLR's GRACE and its Follow-On mission. The analysis is based on three distinct estimates derived from mascon products, each generated by a different processing center: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Center for Space Research at the University of Texas, Austin. The study has a twofold objective. First, we compare the mass balance time series with independent estimates from altimetry, in-situ measurements, and DEM-differencing to determine which of the three mascon solutions provides the most accurate estimates of GICs mass balance. Second, we assess the current status of GICs by extending the estimates discussed in previous studies.