Data sent home by the Gravity field and Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) "mapped variations in Earth's gravity with unrivalled precision," the European Space Agency said.
It has opened the way to "the most accurate model of ocean current speeds to date."
Marie-Helene Rio from Italy's Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate said the data "will provide highly valuable new insight" into the oceans. GOCE's data helped create the most precise "geoid", or a reconstruction of Earth as it is shaped by gravity.
In practical terms, the work creates a hypothetical mean sea level - a crucial benchmark for measuring ocean rise driven by global warming.
In September, Dutch scientists reported they had been able to measure ice loss from West Antarctica with unprecedented accuracy thanks to small variations in gravity in Antarctica recorded by GOCE between November 2009 and June 2012.
Sent into orbit in 2009, GOCE disintegrated on reentry into the Earth's atmosphere in November last year, after running out of fuel. It had orbited the Earth at an altitude of 260 kilometres (160 miles) - later lowered to 224km - the lowest-ever for a research satellite.
Its combination of sleekness and fins, designed to maintain stability in the lingering atmosphere, brought it the nickname of the "Ferrari of space."
The €350m ($430m) mission lasted twice as long as its initially-scheduled 20 months.
Source: AFP
For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.
We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.
Go to: http://www.inet.co.za
