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Geophysics Assignments

Gravity surveying measures variations in local gravity fields to learn about subsurface rock densities and types. Gravimeters precisely measure micro-variations in gravity caused by differences in crustal composition and structures like mountains. Ground-based surveys involve taking readings along a grid with a portable gravimeter, while aerial surveys use gravimeters on aircraft. Processed gravity maps reveal density anomalies that help interpret subsurface mineral resources and structures.

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Musab Usman
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168 views

Geophysics Assignments

Gravity surveying measures variations in local gravity fields to learn about subsurface rock densities and types. Gravimeters precisely measure micro-variations in gravity caused by differences in crustal composition and structures like mountains. Ground-based surveys involve taking readings along a grid with a portable gravimeter, while aerial surveys use gravimeters on aircraft. Processed gravity maps reveal density anomalies that help interpret subsurface mineral resources and structures.

Uploaded by

Musab Usman
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Musab Usman | PE-037

GRAVITY SURVEYS
Measurements of the gravitational field at a series of
different locations over an area of interest. The objective in
exploration work is to associate variations with differences
in the distribution of densities and hence rock types.

INTRODUCTION:
Gravity surveying is a form of mineral exploration that measures the changes of
rock density by looking at changes in gravity.
This technology is mostly used in the Minerals, Coal and Oil and gas industry.
Gravity surveying provides Geologists, Geophysicists and Exploration managers
with a picture of the sub-surface geology of a surveyed area so that they can see
whats underground.

PRINCIPLE:
Like all matter, the Earth generates a gravity field that can be measured by using
the specific instrumentation. The earth exerts a constant pull of gravity which we
experience as things being fallen or being held to the ground. However, the force
of gravity is not the same all over the world. It varies at different points on the
earth. Things like mountains, ocean trenches, tidal movements, even large
buildings and structures can affect the Earths local gravity field. These factors, as
well as the composition of elements within the Earths crust all cause micro-
variations in gravity all over the Earth.

METHOD:
Geophysicists routinely measure these micro-variations using either ground-based
or aerial instruments taken by a gravimeter. A gravitometer works by recording the
downward acceleration of mass from the minute fluctuations of a finely balanced
spring within the gravimeter. For a ground based gravity imaging, a portable
gravitometer the size of a knee-high box is placed on the ground at sequential
points along a predetermined grid. The operator records a reading at each
successive point, and advances to the next point along the grid either by a utility
vehicle or a helicopter. Once there are enough readings along the grid, the data is
processed by the special computer software to create a detailed map of the
Musab Usman | PE-037

surveyed region. The processed gravity maps define regions of rocks and minerals
with differing densities by assigning colors along a color ramp. Interpretation of
this data helps geologists and geophysicists gain an understanding of what mineral
types and resources may be found in the surveyed area.

GRAVIMETERS:
Gravimeters are used when prospecting for subterranean deposits of valuable
natural resources, including petroleum and minerals, as well as by geodesists to
study the shape of the earth and its gravitational field. All modern gravimeters are
designed with a highly stable inertial platform to balance the masking effects of
motion and vibration. Modern land gravimeters are broadly classified into two
types absolute and relative.
. A gravimeter is an instrument used in gravimetry for measuring the local
gravitational field of the Earth. A gravimeter is a type of accelerometer, specialized
for measuring the constant downward acceleration of gravity, which varies by
about 0.5% over the surface of the Earth.
Musab Usman | PE-037

APPLICATIONS:
The applications of the Gravity Method Surveys are:
Hydrocarbon exploration
Regional geological studies
Isostatic compensation determination
Exploration for mass estimation of mineral deposits
Detection of subsurface cavities
Location of buried rock valley
Determination of glacier thickness
Shape of earth(geodesy)
Monitoring volcanoes

TYPES OF GRAVIMETERS:
There are two types of gravimeters:

1. Absolute gravimeter
Musab Usman | PE-037

2. Relative gravimeter

1. Absolute Free-Fall Gravimeters:

Absolute gravimeters measure the rate at which a mass in free fall in a vacuum
accelerates. A retroflector is used with a Michelson interferometer to count and
time interference fringes and thus measure the acceleration of the mass.

The types of absolute free-fall gravimeters are:

Falling corner-cube gravimeter:


The motion of a free falling corner-cube retro reflector in vacuum is
monitored by a laser interferometer, which detects optical interference to
determine the rate of acceleration of gravity. Corner-cube absolute free-fall
gravimeters are one of the most accurate types; however, their mechanical
Musab Usman | PE-037

structure for repeated free-falling is not suitable for mobile use and restricts
their cycle time.

Atom interferometer
gravimeter :
The acceleration of laser-cooled particles due to gravity is determined by
calculating the phase difference of a wave packet of particles that is divided
through a beam splitter, with each beam travelling along two different paths,
one slightly more elevated than the other and so experiencing slightly
different gravity, before being recombined. This technique benefits from
Musab Usman | PE-037

high sensitivity and accuracy, and fast cycle times. It is the most suitable
gravimeter for mobile use.

2. spring-Based Relative Gravimeters:


Spring-based gravimeters measure only relative gravity by analyzing the response
of a spring to an attached mass acting in a gravitational field. They are often used
in gravity surveys over large areas as they are compact, transportable systems with
good sensitivity and drift rate. The types of spring-based gravimeters are:

Superconducting gravimeter:
Musab Usman | PE-037

Also known as the ideal-spring gravimeter, superconducting gravimeters


replace the spring with an ultralow temperature superconducting sphere held
in place by an induced magnetic field. The sphere is responsive to minute
variations in gravity. This type of gravimeter can achieve sensitivities of one
Nano gal, one thousandth of one billionth (10-12) of the Earth surface gravity.

Lacoste-Romberg gravimeter: A zero-length spring -


one which has no extension at zero initial force - suspends a mass in a
gravitational field, with the length of the spring directly proportional to the
strength of the force. This type of gravimeter has good sensitivity and is
suitable for mobile use, but it needs frequent recalibration.
Musab Usman | PE-037
Musab Usman | PE-037

Interpreting the Results:


While a basic accelerometer displays measurements in common units of
acceleration, a gravimeter displays measurements in units known as gals, where
one gal is defined as 1 cm/s 2. The measure of Earth's gravity at surface level varies
between 976 and 983 gals. These differences are due to mountains and other land
features that possess varying densities typically ranging from tens to hundreds of
milligals.

Applications of gravimeters:
Some applications of gravimeters include:

Geodesy

Metrology

Seismology

Petroleum and mineral prospecting

Geophysical surveys and other geophysical research

Precision inertial navigation


Musab Usman | PE-037

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