In southern Africa, the Okavango Delta
region experienced a huge increase in stored freshwater
during the period of the GRACE mission. The science team analyzed precipitation data
for the area and found that it was caused by a pronounced increase in rainfall.
Between 2004 and 2012,
the region saw about 15% more annual rainfall than during the previous
twenty-five years. The rain ended a regional drought, and replenished
water storage in the area.