An intimate portrait of Earth The high-resolution gravity measurements of GOCE will: contribute to improved climate models by providing new knowledge on how gravity affects ocean circulation and sea level.   provide a new understanding of Earth’s interior, including magma distribution under volcanoes, thereby improving our knowledge of tectonic movements and seismic hazards. underpin a worldwide height system, supporting applications such as construction, planning and surveying as well as providing a reference sea-surface level. in combination with other data sets, improve estimates of the thickness and mass of the polar ice sheets, crucial witnesses of climate change effects.       Last update: 1 August 2008 In depth  •  Earth Explorers overview (http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM9JP2VQUD_index_0_m.html)