Geophysical Challenges for Future Satellite Gravity Missions: Assessing the Impact of MOCASS Mission

Abstract The GRACE/GRACE-FO satellites have observed large scale mass changes, contributing to the budget calculation of hydro-and cryosphere. observable changes must be in order 300 km or bigger resolved. Smaller glaciers and hydrologic basins significantly contribute closure water balance, but are not detected with present spatial resolution satellite. challenge future satellite gravity missions is fill this gap, providing higher temporal resolution. We assess impact a geodetic mission carrying on board cold atom interferometric gradiometer (MOCASS: Mass Observation Cold Atom Sensors Space) simulated geophysical phenomena, considering hydrosphere Moreover, we consider redistributions due seamounts tectonic movements, belonging solid earth processes. MOCASS type able recover 50% smaller deglaciation rates over mountain range as High Mountains Asia compared GRACE, detect 60% cumulative number glaciers, an improvement respect GRACE which detects less than 20% same area. For eruption could reaching level detection submarine basalt 1.6 10 9 m 3 . This corresponds Mount Saint Helens. simulations demonstrate that would improve existing missions.