BASIC THEORY OF

GRAVITY METHOD
Presented by:
1. IBOI WISDOM DAVID PSC1909019

2. IYOBOSAH DAVID EBUWA PSC1909022

3. IMUENTINYAN FAVOURITE OMOZOGIE. PSC1909020

 ABSTRACT
Gravity method is a geophysical technique that has been used for decades to investigate the subsurface
structure of the earth. The method is based on the principle that the earth's gravitational field is
affected by the density distribution of the subsurface materials.
 INTRODUCTION
The gravity method is a geophysical technique used to investigate the subsurface structure and
composition of the Earth by measuring variations in the gravitational field. It is based on the principle
that variations in the density of subsurface materials cause variations in the strength of the gravitational
field.

In this method, instruments called gravimeters are used to measure the gravitational acceleration at a
specific location. The measurements are typically taken at regular intervals along a profile or grid
pattern, and then used to create a map or model of the subsurface structure.

Gravity data can be used to detect changes in subsurface density, such as the presence of mineral
deposits, oil and gas reservoirs, or geologic faults. It can also be used to study the Earth's crust and
mantle, as well as the dynamics of the Earth's interior.

The gravity method is widely used in geology, mineral exploration, and geophysics, and is often
combined with other geophysical methods such as magnetic surveys and seismic surveys to provide a
more complete understanding of subsurface geology.

Physical Principles Behind Gravity Method:

Gravity surveys measure the gravitational acceleration at a particular point on the earth's surface. The
gravitational acceleration is affected by the mass and distribution of the subsurface materials. The
Bouguer's Law states that the gravitational attraction between two masses is proportional to their
product and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The gravitational
attraction between the earth and a point mass at a distance r from the earth's center can be expressed
as:

g = GM/r^2

Where g is the gravitational acceleration, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the earth, and
r is the distance from the earth's center.

The gravitational acceleration measured at a point on the earth's surface is affected by the mass and
density distribution of the subsurface materials. If the subsurface materials have a higher density than
the surrounding materials, the gravitational acceleration will be higher, and if the subsurface materials
have a lower density, the gravitational acceleration will be lower. Therefore, by measuring the
gravitational acceleration at different points on the earth's surface, the density distribution of the
subsurface materials can be inferred.
This term paper will discuss the basic theory behind the gravity method, including the principles of
gravity and gravitational fields, density and mass, gravity anomalies, gravimeters, data acquisition, data
interpretation, and applications.

Gravity and Gravitational Field

Gravity is a fundamental force that attracts all objects with mass towards each other. This force is
responsible for the acceleration of objects towards the Earth's surface. The strength of the gravitational
force between two objects is directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the
square of the distance between them. The Earth's gravitational field is the force field that surrounds the
Earth and is responsible for the acceleration of objects towards the Earth's surface.

Density and Mass

Density is a measure of the mass of a substance per unit volume. In geophysics, density is an important
property of rocks and minerals, as it affects their response to the Earth's gravitational field. The mass of
an object is directly proportional to its density and volume. Subsurface rocks and minerals have different
densities, which can be used to detect variations in the gravitational field.

Gravity Anomaly
A gravity anomaly is a deviation from the expected strength of the Earth's gravitational field at a
particular location. Gravity anomalies can be caused by variations in the density of subsurface materials,
such as rocks and minerals. If the density of the subsurface materials is greater than the surrounding
materials, the gravity anomaly will be positive (i.e., stronger gravitational field), and if the density is less,
the gravity anomaly will be negative (i.e., weaker gravitational field).

Gravimeters
Gravimeters are instruments used to measure the gravitational acceleration at a specific location. There
are several types of gravimeters, including spring gravimeters, superconducting gravimeters, and
relative gravimeters. Spring gravimeters are the most commonly used type and work by measuring the
displacement of a spring due to changes in gravitational acceleration. Superconducting gravimeters are
more sensitive than spring gravimeters, but they require specialized equipment and expertise to
operate. Relative gravimeters are used for field surveys and can provide accurate gravity measurements
over large areas.
 DATA ACQUISITION
To acquire gravity data, measurements are typically taken at regular intervals along a profile or grid
pattern. The measurements are then corrected for various factors, such as Earth's rotation, tides, and
topography, to obtain a true gravity anomaly. The corrections are necessary to remove any effects that
are not related to the subsurface geology.

HOW TO ACQUIRE DATA DURING GRAVITY METHOD EXPERIMENT

During a gravity method fieldwork, data is acquired by measuring the gravity acceleration at different
locations using a gravimeter. Here are the steps to acquire data during a gravity method fieldwork:

1. Choose the survey area: The first step is to select the survey area based on the objective of the
survey. The survey area should be large enough to cover the entire region of interest, and the survey
lines or grids should be spaced appropriately based on the desired resolution and sensitivity.

2. Select the gravimeter: The selection of the gravimeter depends on the desired accuracy, sensitivity,
and budget. Spring gravimeters are the most commonly used type and are suitable for most
applications, while superconducting gravimeters are more sensitive but require specialized equipment
and expertise.

3. Measure the base station: Before taking any measurements, a base station is established at a known
location with a known gravity value. The base station is used as a reference for all subsequent
measurements.

4. Measure the gravity: Measurements are taken at each survey point using the gravimeter. The
gravimeter is placed on a tripod or stand, and the measurement is taken after the gravimeter has
stabilized.

5. Record the data: The measured gravity values are recorded in a field notebook or data logger along
with the location coordinates and other relevant information, such as date and time.

6. Apply corrections: The raw gravity data is corrected for various factors that can affect the
measurements, such as Earth's rotation, tides, and topography. These corrections are necessary to
obtain a true gravity anomaly.

7. Repeat the measurements: The measurements are repeated several times at each survey point to
ensure accuracy and consistency.

8. Quality control: Quality control checks are performed regularly to ensure the accuracy and reliability
of the data. This may include checking the instrument calibration, repeating measurements at control
points, and comparing the measured values with the expected values based on the regional gravity field.
9. Data processing: After the data is collected in the field, it is processed and analyzed using specialized
software to create a map or model of the subsurface structure. The processing may include filtering,
gridding, and modeling the data to remove noise and create a clear image of the subsurface geology.

DATA INTERPRETATION
Gravity data can be used to detect changes in subsurface density, such as the presence of mineral
deposits, oil and gas reservoirs, or geologic faults. The data can be processed and analyzed to create a
map or model of the subsurface structure. The interpretation of the gravity data requires careful
consideration of various factors, such as the regional background gravity field, the depth of the target,
and the geologic context.

HOW TO INTERPRET GRAVITY DATA

Interpreting gravity data involves identifying and analyzing the anomalies in the gravity field to extract
information about the subsurface structure. Here are the general steps involved in interpreting gravity
data:

1. Understand the regional gravity field: The first step is to understand the regional gravity field of the
survey area, which can be obtained from a published gravity map or a regional survey. The regional
gravity field provides a baseline for interpreting the gravity anomalies and can help to distinguish
between regional and local anomalies.

2. Identify the anomalies: The next step is to identify the anomalies in the corrected gravity data.
Anomalies can be positive or negative, and their amplitude and wavelength can vary depending on the
subsurface structure.

3. Classify the anomalies: Once the anomalies are identified, they need to be classified based on their
size, shape, and location. This can help to distinguish between different geological structures, such as
faults, folds, or intrusions.

4. Integrate with other data: The interpretation of gravity data should be integrated with other
geophysical and geological data, such as seismic data, well logs, and surface geology. This can help to
constrain the interpretation and reduce the uncertainty.

5. Create a model: Based on the analysis of the anomalies and the integration with other data, a model
of the subsurface structure can be created. The model should be consistent with all available data and
should be tested using various scenarios.
6. Validate the model: The final step is to validate the model by comparing it with independent data or
by testing it with a blind dataset. This can help to assess the accuracy and reliability of the
interpretation.

In summary, interpreting gravity data involves identifying, classifying, and analyzing the anomalies in the
gravity field to extract information about the subsurface structure. The interpretation should be
integrated with other geophysical and geological data, and a reliable model should be created and
validated. The interpretation should be done with caution and should be based on sound geological and
geophysical principles.

APPLICATIONS OF GRAVITY FIELD METHOD

The gravity method is widely used in geology, mineral exploration, and geophysics, and is often
combined with other geophysical methods such as magnetic surveys and seismic surveys to provide a
more complete understanding of subsurface geology. Some of the key applications of the gravity
method include:

1. Mineral exploration: The gravity method can be used to detect variations in the density of rocks and
minerals, which can help identify potential mineral deposits.

2. Oil and gas exploration: The gravity method can be to identify potential oil and gas reservoirs by
detecting variations in the density of subsurface rocks and sediments.

3. Geothermal energy exploration: The gravity method can be used to identify potential sites for
geothermal energy production by detecting variations in the temperature and density of subsurface
rocks.

4. Understanding subsurface structure: The gravity method can be used to study the structure of the
Earth's crust and mantle, as well as the dynamics of the Earth's interior.

5. Environmental applications: The gravity method can be used to detect changes in subsurface density
caused by contamination, such as leaking underground storage tanks.

HOW TO PROCESS GRAVITY DATA

Processing gravity data involves a series of steps to correct and enhance the raw gravity data, making it
more useful for interpretation. Here are the general steps involved in processing gravity data:

1. Quality control: The first step is to ensure that the gravity data collected in the field is of good quality.
This includes checking the instrument calibration, data acquisition protocols, and field notes.

2. Raw data processing: The next step is to process the raw gravity data to remove any instrumental drift
or noise that might have been introduced during the survey. This can be done using software provided
by the manufacturer or using third-party software.
3. Elevation correction: The gravity data needs to be corrected for the effect of elevation above sea
level. This correction is necessary because gravity decreases with height. This correction is done using
the Free Air Correction or the Simple Bouguer Correction, which takes into account the elevation of the
survey points.

4. Terrain correction: The next step is to correct the gravity data for the effect of topography. The
presence of mountains and valleys can create significant gravity anomalies that can obscure the
subsurface anomalies of interest. This correction is done using the terrain correction method, which
takes into account the elevation of the survey point relative to the surrounding terrain.

5. Bouguer correction: The Bouguer correction is applied to the gravity data to remove the effects of the
density contrast of the overlying rock. This correction takes into account the rock density, the thickness
of the overlying layers, and the elevation of the survey points. The result of this correction is called the
Bouguer anomaly.

6. Regional correction: The Bouguer anomaly may still contain the effects of the regional gravity field.
The regional correction is applied to remove the effects of the large-scale geological structures, such as
basins or mountains, from the Bouguer anomaly.

7. Gridding: Finally, the corrected gravity data is gridded to create a continuous map of the gravity field.
This is done using interpolation techniques such as kriging or inverse distance weighting.

In summary, processing gravity data involves cleaning the data, applying elevation, terrain, Bouguer, and
regional corrections, and gridding the data to create a continuous map of the gravity field. These steps
are necessary to remove the effects of various factors that can obscure the subsurface anomalies of
interest and create a reliable dataset for interpretation.