ALICE-LAB

Enhancing Satellite Gravimetry for Sustainable Water Resource and Disaster Management in Thailand and Southeast Asia under Climate Change Challenges

The project, “Enhancing Satellite Gravimetry for Sustainable Water Resource and Disaster Management,” seeks to revolutionize how Thailand and Southeast Asia monitor environmental changes by leveraging frontier Earth and Space Technology. Funded by the Program Management Unit for Frontier Brainpower and Future Industries (PMU-B), this initiative addresses a critical gap where global gravity data from the GRACE and GRACE-FO missions is currently provided at a spatial resolution (~300 km) too low for localized basin management. To resolve this, the project implements advanced regional processing and data integration techniques to sharpen these signals into high-resolution datasets. By accurately separating groundwater components from total water storage, the project provides a vital tool for monitoring depletion and preventing land subsidence. Ultimately, by establishing an Open Data platform and fostering a network of regional experts, this PMU-B supported initiative empowers government agencies to make science-based decisions, reducing economic losses from droughts and floods while positioning Thailand as a leader in international space technology.

Figure 1: Schematic diagram detailing the project's research framework

Objectives

The primary goal of this project is to enhance scientific and technological capabilities in utilizing satellite gravity data within Thailand and Southeast Asia. It focuses on applying data from the GRACE and GRACE-FO missions to improve the understanding and management of water resources, climate variability, natural disasters, and geophysical processes.

 

Specific Objectives:

  • Develop the application of satellite gravimetry data in Thailand and the ASEAN region.
  • Create a publicly accessible Open Data gravity dataset.
  • Strengthen national and regional capacity through knowledge exchange activities.
Figure 2: Example of Mascon Grid Products at approximately 300 km resolution

 

Research Framework

To achieve the project goals, the following framework will be implemented:

  1. Comprehensive Input & Data Collection: Gathering GRACE/GRACE-FO gravity data, background models (tides, atmosphere, ocean), hydrological models for water component separation, and ground-based observations (groundwater levels) for validation.
  2. Development of High-Resolution/High-Accuracy Techniques: Focusing on regional processing and advanced methods (e.g., data assimilation/integration) and effective noise reduction to achieve higher spatial resolution suited for the Thai and ASEAN contexts.
  3. Knowledge Transfer & Discussion Forums: Organizing seminars and workshops (national/international) to gather feedback and build expert networks.
  4. Creation of High-Resolution Open Datasets: Refined data will be publicly accessible via a website and integrated into relevant Decision Support Systems (DSS).
  5. Multi-sectoral Application: Applying developed data to monitor water resource changes, assess droughts and floods, analyze land subsidence, and evaluate climate change impacts to demonstrate national-level benefits.
Figure 3: Demonstration of enhanced resolution and accuracy for satellite gravimetry data developed within this project : (Left) Original GRACE data; (Right) Enhanced data with improved resolution and accuracy

 Research Scope & Collaboration

The project aims to improve natural resource, environmental, and agricultural management through:

  1. Advanced regional processing techniques.
  2. Enhancing data resolution and accuracy for Thailand and Southeast Asia.
  3. Disseminating high-resolution gravity datasets.

Collaborative Network:

  • Academic: Chulalongkorn University, AIT, RMUTT, Sci-Tech Council of Thailand, Kasetsart University.
  • Government: Royal Irrigation Department (RID), Department of Groundwater Resources (DGR).
  • Regional: Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC).

Key Development: Filling the Gap

This project uses Frontier Earth and Space Technology to bridge critical gaps in regional water and disaster management.

  • The Gap: Currently available gravity data has very low spatial resolution (~300 km), making it unusable for local/basin-level decision-making. Furthermore, there is a lack of continuous, nationwide groundwater data, leading to over-extraction and land subsidence.
  • The Solution: By using advanced regional processing (e.g., Mascon/Data Integration) combined with hydrological models, the project will significantly increase spatial resolution. This allows for the accurate separation of groundwater components from total water storage, providing a reliable monitoring tool for the region.

Expected Outputs, Outcomes, and Impact

Outputs

  • Enhanced-resolution GRACE/GRACE-FO Data: High-resolution datasets tailored for Thailand/ASEAN, provided as free Open Data.
  • Research Publications: Articles published in or accepted by international peer-reviewed journals.
  • Human Capital: Researchers and personnel skilled in satellite gravimetry technology.

Outcomes

  • New processing techniques for precise Earth mass-change monitoring.
  • Growth in satellite gravimetry research and data integration in Southeast Asia.
  • High-resolution data utilized by government agencies for evidence-based policy making and precise groundwater management.

Impact

  • Climate Resilience: Improved national capability to monitor groundwater and assess disaster risks (drought, flood, subsidence) with scientific backing.
  • Economic Stability: Reduction in economic losses from disasters and more efficient water allocation for agriculture and industry.
  • Global Leadership: Establishing a foundation in Earth and Space Technology, allowing Thailand to contribute to the direction of future international satellite gravity missions.