Quantifying the errors in gravity reduction

Philip Heath

doi:10.1071/ASEG2016ab120

25th International Conference and Exhibition – Interpreting the Past, Discovering the Future

ISSN: 2202-0586
E-ISSN:

oa Quantifying the errors in gravity reduction
Authors Philip Heath^a
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^a Geological Survey of South Australia, 4/101 Grenfell St Adelaide, SA, 5000, [email protected]
Publisher: Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Source: ASEG Extended Abstracts, Volume 2016, Issue 25th International Conference and Exhibition – Interpreting the Past, Discovering the Future, Dec 2016, p. 1 - 7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/ASEG2016ab120
- Published online: 01 Dec 2016

Abstract

Mistakes in processing gravity data lead to errors in the final product. This can mean that overlapping gravity surveys are often incompatible, and can lead to incorrect geological interpretations. In this paper I demonstrate the magnitude of the errors introduced at various stages of the gravity reduction process. I have focussed on errors relating to calibration factors, time zones and time changes, height, geodetic datums, gravity datums, and the equations involved therein. The errors range from below the level of detection, to many milligals.

The results highlight the need to not only be diligent and thorough in processing gravity data, but also how it is necessity to document the steps taken when processing data. Without properly documented gravity surveys they cannot be reprocessed should an error be identified.

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2016-12-01

2026-01-13

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References

Blakely, R.J., 1995, Potential Theory in Gravity and Magnetic Applications: Cambridge University Press.
Heath, P., Reed, G., Dhu, T., Keeping, T. & Katona, L., 2012, Regional Terrain Corrected Gravity Grid production, examples from South Australia: Preview, 156, 120
Kearey, P., Brooks, M., and Hill, I., 1984, An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration (third edition): Blackwell Publishing. Reynolds, J.M., 1997, An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics: John Wiley & Sons.
Sheriff, R.E., 1991, Encyclopedic Dictionary of Applied Geophysics (fourth edition): The Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
Telford, W.M., Geldart, L.P., and Sheriff, R.E., 1990, Applied Geophysics (second edition): Cambridge University Press.
Wellman, P., Barlow, B.C., and Murray, A.S., 1985, Gravity base-station network values, Australia (report 261): Bereau of Mineral Resources, Geology & Geophysics.

/content/journals/10.1071/ASEG2016ab120

Article Type: Research Article

Keyword(s): Error; Geodesy; Gravity; Processing; Reduction

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