Overview
GIF63 is an intermediate mean gravity field model developed by the Center for Space Research as part of the ongoing GRACE and GRACE-FO Release 7 (RL07) reprocessing effort. The model provides an updated mean-field reference while the final RL07 processing system and products are being prepared.
The model incorporates recent advances in satellite gravimetry and combines updated GRACE, GOCE, and surface-gravity information. GIF63 represents an important intermediate step toward the improved mean reference field required for the final CSR RL07 reprocessing.
Product information updated: 2026-05-06
Role in RL07 Reprocessing
The GRACE and GRACE-FO RL07 reprocessing is intended to identify and reduce remaining errors in satellite gravity recovery. The work also aims to improve the monthly gravity-field solutions, strengthen the fidelity of their uncertainty estimates, and establish a consistent baseline for continuity across present and future gravity missions.
Updating the mean gravity field is one element of this broader effort. GIF63 was developed as an intermediate model to support testing, assessment, and preparation for the final RL07 reprocessing.
- Investigate residual error sources in GRACE and GRACE-FO gravity recovery.
- Reduce errors in monthly time-variable gravity solutions.
- Improve the realism and consistency of solution-error estimates.
- Support a common processing baseline for multi-mission continuity.
Input Data
GIF63 combines updated satellite and surface-gravity observations, including:
- Preliminary GRACE Version 05 Level-1B data.
- Reprocessed GOCE Version 202 gravity-gradient observations.
- Pseudo surface-gravity data.
These updated observations were incorporated to capture the latest progress in gravimetry and to provide an improved reference model for the ongoing CSR RL07 development.
Download
The GIF63 model and accompanying repository information are available from the Texas Data Repository.
Citation
When using GIF63, please cite:
Zhang, Chaoyang; Tapley, Byron D.; Ries, John C.; Bettadpur, Srinivas; Save, Himanshu; Teixeira da Encarnacao, Joao; Poole, Steven; Nagel, Peter; Kang, Zhigui; Pie, Nadege (2026), “GIF63: GRACE Intermediate Field 63,” Texas Data Repository. https://doi.org/10.18738/T8/YDWXH2.