[Narrator] NASA’s new 3D model shows the earth is

a lumpy mess.

NASA has released a new geoid model demonstrating the shape

of earth’s gravitational field,

showing the irregular bulges caused

by variations in the distribution of mass within the planet.

According to NASA, the geoid represents the shape the ocean

surface would take under the influence

of Earth’s gravity alone.

This visualization exaggerates that shape

by multiplying the variations in height

by a factor of 10,000,

making differences in the planet’s gravitational

field easier to see.

This lumpy version of Earth was created using models

and satellite data spanning 15 years,

capturing minute differences in gravity across the planet.

Yet measuring gravity has value

beyond creating jarring visuals

that question just how round Earth really is.

Both NASA and the European Space Agency operate satellites

that keep tabs on the planet’s gravitational field.

These observations provide valuable insight

into how much ice Antarctica

and Greenland are losing as the planet warms,

helping scientists better understand

how quickly sea levels are rising

and how much further they could rise in the future.

They can also track groundwater loss

and drought around the world, providing water managers

with crucial information

as climate change makes dry conditions more severe

in many regions.