This paper will cover a variety of topics. First, it will overview the concepts of GRACE and GOCE satellite missions. Second, it will summarise some results of the assessment of the recent Earth global gravity field models, focusing on the study of the differences between satellite altimetry and tide gauge observations. Third, it will describe the computation and evaluation of a new geoid model for the Western Mediterranean area in the near future. All three topics will be set in the framework of the existing data and how airborne gravimetry can contribute. With the increased interest in coastal zone mapping because of threats like sea level change, airborne gravimetry can bridge the gap between land and satellite-altimeter-derived gravity data. As such, a proposal will be made to collect airborne gravimetry in key Mediterranean coastal zones.

Peer Reviewed