Best practice in gravity surveying (2001)

by A.S. Murray & R.M. Tracey

• Summary
• Report
• Related links

Summary

Gravity surveys are used to measure small changes in the Earth's gravity field. These changes are due to density variations in the Earth's crust and can be used for a range of investigations such as studies of deep tectonic structures or finding caves in urban engineering studies. The physical property being measured, density variation, is the same in these investigations; it is just the survey parameters and precision required that differs.

This manual serves to give a brief outline of the theory behind gravity surveying and discusses the considerations that need to be addressed when conducting gravity surveys. Gravity survey design and field techniques are discussed including both gravity and positioning equipment. Survey reduction and processing techniques are also discussed.

This manual is not purported to be a definitive text on gravity surveying but rather as a guide to techniques that have proved to be successful. As such, it is hoped that it will be updated from time to time as techniques and instrumentation improve and feedback or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

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Report

Download a copy of "Best practice in gravity surveying (2001)" as a PDF(1.04Mb).

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Related links

• Geophysics home page
• Continental Geophysics
• Australian Fundamental Gravity Network (AFGN)
• Seismic Acquisition and Processing
• AEM Acquisition and Interpretation
• Magnetic Anomaly Grid Database of Australia (MAGDA)
• Airborne Geophysics and Gravity Data
• Gravimetry
• A transect through central Australia